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Community or Cooperative (Co-op) gardens are pieces of land that are cared for and gardened on by a group of people. Found most often in urban areas, these projects often supply fresh produce and plants to the community and bring city gardeners closer to their sources food Some co-op gardens provide plots for individual use, while others are used solely to produce food for the entire group.
Space

  • Depends on space available at the local garden
  • Depends on how many people it serves
  • Can be 14 by 29 feet and 100 feet by 1,000 square feet, average is 300 sq ft.
  • Must consider past-use when selecting an area as there may be soil contamination
  • Consider water availability
  • Leasing and insurance issues 

Sunlight

  • Should get six full hours a sunlight daily for vegetables

Budget

  • Some community gardens charge dues and membership fees
  • Cost can depend on the amount of people who are participating
  • Depends on services needed, such as land leasing and insurance.
  • Tool purchases may be needed

Time

  • Depends on amount of involvement required, plot size and use of garden
  • Minimum maintenance in usually required in common areas
  • Can be more time consuming than a personal garden because of the communal responsibilities
  • Turning soil, planting over crops and composting will be necessary
  • Planning meetings, status meetings
  • Fall cleanup
  • Volunteer hours

Ideal for...

  • Those looking to create community
  • Those who want to get to know their neighbors
  • Sustainable, local living
  • Beautifying the neighborhood
  • Extra exercise
  • Producing food for the community as a whole
  • Those interested in community development
  • Social engagement
  • Explore an organic farm
     
  • Learn more about Community Gardening
Learn what it takes to plant a large garden
Published 02/19/2009

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