Check out this article and find out 5 tips to keep a healthy community garden.
Based on the opinion of the American Community Gardening Association, it is very difficult to narrowly define what a community garden is. It can be urban, suburban, or rural, can grow flowers and/or vegetables, be one community plot or several individual plots, and be located near a school, hospital, etc. We believe it is best defined as a place that inspires and empowers community members to design, build and sustain together.
Keep reading this article and find out our favorite 5 tips to keep a healthy community garden.
5 Tips to Keep a Healthy Community Garden
Tip No. 1: Find a community of people
Honestly, this is one of the most important things you need to do. It is crucial to surround yourself with people who have the same goal as you.
Organize regular meetings and be sure to create a free email or Instagram/Facebook/Web page, etc., with the name of the neighborhood so that everyone can be in contact with each other. Given that community gardens are incredibly diverse and have different visions and use, expect to encounter differing opinions and that there is no “right way” to do it. All current problems are best-solved face to face, be ready to compromise.
Tip No. 2: Be sure to compost
Most people aren’t even aware of the fact of how much left-over vegetation a garden produces. This is exactly why it is recommended to turn to composting, certainly the best, and also the most natural method of turning waste food into soil.
This amazing process involves living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms whose unique job is to break down organic matter and turn it into a soil conditioner or compost.
In addition, keep in mind that composting also produces free, all-organic fertilizer. It is one of the ideal ways to strengthen plants and keep community members, including children, wildlife, and pets, away from toxic synthetic fertilizers.
Tip No. 3: Every drop of rain is precious
What an ugly feeling it is when you look at the weather forecast and see that there is no rain in sight, and extra hot summer days are ahead of you. This will be best understood by all those who participate in the maintenance of the community garden.
With a little smart planning and preparation, there really is a way to avoid this becoming a daily concern. Simply, instead of wasting tap water, take advantage of nature’s greatest bounty and collect rain whenever you have the chance. Choose from the two most popular options, install rain barrels or build a rain garden. This is really an excellent way to provide your garden with a wealth of sustenance.
Tip No. 4: Attract pollinators
Attracting these amazing flying creatures like bees has many benefits, including the vital process of pollination and consequently keeping your community garden healthy. The most reliable way to achieve this is by growing indigenous plant species.
Feel free to plant your favorite annual and perennial flowers, as well as herbs, fruits, and vegetables, preferably native to your region. Believe us, there is no pollinator that refuses to land on basil, rasp
berry, or squash plant. It’s as if they are enchanted by the look and smell of these plants.
Tip No. 5: Focus on mulch
Did you think our list of 5 tips to keep a healthy community garden would end without mentioning mulch? You can (without a doubt) consider mulching as your main strategy for a successful garden.
Since it covers the surface of the soil, mulch protects the soil from all weather conditions, inclu
ding reducing weed growth, preventing water loss, and maintaining an optimal temperature.
Furthermore, there is no perfect answer when it comes to choosing the perfect material, it would be best to test different options for which mulch fits your needs best.
Final Thoughts
Finally, don’t forget to document your progress and successes in the garden. We recommend doing this with photos and updates in the site’s newsletters or on its Instagram/Facebook/Web page.
These were 5 tips to keep a healthy community garden. We hope you find it helpful!
If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.
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Author’s bio
Tony Manhart is the founder and editor in chief at Days in Garden. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.