Community Garden Set-up Guide
This set up guide aims to help people who are wanting to start a community garden. Simple questions are used to get people thinking about the different aspects of this process that need to be considered.
Community gardening is a process. Every step provides learning opportunities whether it's applying for funding, developing community dynamics, making enough compost, or learning about the seasonal changes in the garden. Every community garden has a different story behind its formation. Here are some aspects of the process to consider:
- Building relationships and notifying stakeholders
- Garden location - public vs private land
- Garden design – different models
- Supplies/materials
- Fundraising/economic opportunities
- Community Engaged Agriculture Set-up Guide
Building relationships and Notifying stakeholders
The wider community
Connect with residents around the area you would like to turn into a community garden. Knock on their door and talk to them personally, give them an opportunity to be involved in a way that suits them. Keep in touch with the surrounding community by updating them through leaflet drops. Community gardeners have found these steps hugely important for the whole community to take ownership of the garden, whether individuals become actively involved or remain sideline supporters.
Your Community Gardening Group
Brainstorm with the group to identify objectives, dreams, wishes, goals, and outcomes of the garden (It is important to have all this in writing as part of your proposal to Council if you are wanting to use public land). Get a sense of everyone's level of interest and commitment. Some guidelines for building a strong gardening group include:
- Have a good meeting facilitator.
- Divide tasks such as overseeing general operations, organizing day-to-day activities of the project, fundraising, publicity and outreach, arranging community events, dealing with media, looking after newcomers.
- Diversity - think about ways to attract all sorts of people.
- Identify local assets and seek out strengths within the group.
- Communicate and form relationships with local community organisations, businesses, and institutions in the area.
- Provide opportunities for internships, work experience positions, mentoring, community service, and training opportunities.
- Have a discussion about how decisions will be made and differences processed.
Local Community Boards
Every area of Auckland has an elected local Community Board who represent their local communities and make decisions on local issues, activities, and facilities. Local boards provide the opportunity for strengthened community representation and are key to encouraging Aucklanders to become actively engaged in local and Auckland-wide issues. It is important to engage with your local board members about communtiy garden plans for public land. Click here for contact details of members and for details about meeting dates.
Garden Location
Conditions and accessibility
- Sun! - at least 6 hours of full sunlight a day is ideal.
- It is essential to have easy access to water before planting - either tap water from mains supply, or rain water collected in a tank or barrel. Think about how you will pay for it and how you will irrigate.
- The garden site needs to be in an accessible location so that supplies, materials, and produce are easy to transport to and from the garden.
- Is it close to foot or bike trails, public transport stops, or parking areas?
- Investigate the soil condition and type (for example is it clay or sandy?). The history of the land can say a lot about its condition. Think about getting a soil test, Hills Laboratory or Environmental fertilisers Ltd can do this for you.
- Is the site on private or public land? Think about churches, schools, organisations, police stations, community houses, parks, and maraes as potential locations for a garden or as points of contact to get more of the local community involved.
Public Land
If you are thinking about using public land you must get permission from Council. Before approaching Council organise your thoughts and consider the guidelines included on our community garden proposal page.
Private Land
- Try to get a five year commitment from the owner. Three is okay.
- Define rules and boundaries of the property with the owner (where to access the garden, during what hours, who can come, how to pay for your part of the water and/ or energy bill if using their supply).
- Investigate the soil condition and type (for example is it clay or sandy?). The history of the land can say a lot about its condition. Old orchard land could have toxic soil. Think about getting a soil test, Hills Laboratory or Environmental fertilisers Ltd can do this for you.
- How will you manage and monitor health and safety?
- Is there public transport links, parking available, or other ways to access the site?
Garden Design – Different Models
Brainstorm the dreams, desires, purpose, and goals of the community. This will help you to design a suitable community garden model. Look at our community garden models page for more information.
Supplies/Materials
Don't worry about finding the funding to invest in all the materials and supplies right away. Most materials and supplies can be gathered as time goes on. Ask around, it is surprising what the community can already offer. People have found this process great for group bonding and connecting with the neighbourhood. Some necessary items are:
- Tools and a tool shed.
- Soil.
- Compost and a composting system.
- Mulch.
- Seeds.
- Water and irrigation.
- Propagation supplies.
- Weed control systems.
- Raised bed materials (optional).
- Innovation, resourcefulness, and creativity come in handy.
Fundraising/ Economic Opportunities
Initially you may need to do some good old fashioned fundraising. Think about self funding options like selling seedlings, providing workshops, starting a Community Supported Agriculture scheme or selling produce at a local market. Often there can be funding available through certain organisations, here are a few places to start:
- Community Waitakere Funding Hub - Email Niamh Wingate or phone (09) 8387903.
- Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust offers funding toward certain community projects - Phone (09) 8264276
Community Engaged Agriculture Set-up Guide
Community Engaged Agriculture is easily translated as community supported food gardens or community gardens. The document attached below has been developed by Daniel Nepia and Finn Mackesey. It may be utilised to motivate a community wide strategy for Community Engaged Agriculture.
