Urban Gardening vol. 3. Community Garden – step by step

Those are places where on a common piece of land the inhabitants of the area or group of friends can sow and cultivate their crops, harvest and spend time together. Community gardens are also the answer for growing problems concerning the lack of greenery in the cities. One of the aims is the creation of gardens by groups of neighbours who work together and thus can directly contribute to the beautification of their neighbourhood and strengthen relations between them.

Every garden has a different structure - for instance organization of work, membership, openness or the way plants are growing – in glass houses, in raise beds or directly in the ground. The most popular Berlin community gardens are Prinzessinnengarten Garten on Moritzplatz (Kreuzberg), Allmende Kontor located on the grounds of former Templehof airport (Neukoelln), Himmelbet (Wedding), Prachtomatten (Neukoelln) or Rosa Rose Garten (Friedrischain). What connects these places is a change of unused urban space into a garden and adapting to the changing landscape of the city land uses as the city changes and develops. Most of the gardens are free, open to the public and provide a friendly space to meet people, take part in events and workshops. So they are more than just a garden.

So, if you are a fan of "burying in the ground" and at the same time you are suffering from not having your own garden, parcel or balcony, then community gardens are a place for you. It may happen that there is no garden in your city or area, but if you are determined, then you may need to take matters into your own hands ! Here are some tips on how to start a community garden in your own environment.

Stage I. Community

Aim: Build the community as it's the most important aspect of community garden.

1. Never work alone! Small groups of two or three determined people have big strength.

2. Inform all residents about the idea of changing well known place in the neighbourhood (f. e. square between blocks) into a garden. Get to the local activists and enthuse them!

3. Organize an informal meeting of the residents about the garden plan. Gather all the comments, expectations and ideas about the development of the common space.

4. Prepare sketches of the garden and planting plan. Consult it with your neigbours and share your plans in a place so everyone can comment. Make a list of goals and organize a vote for neighbours. Together choose a target e.g. new bench, remove garbage, placing an information board etc.

5. Organize first picnic where everyone will bring something – table, chair, grill, cake etc. During the event announce an action plan for the next months. Make a list of participants, share responsibilities and collect ideas.

Stage II. Garden

Aim: Share your responsibilities so that each part of the garden has their own keeper.

1. Prepare the final version of the space development plan; make a list and share it with your neighbours – buying seeds and seedlings, tools and other materials.

2. Prepare action plan for the next 3 months; make sure you always have someone to water, exaggerate and pour plants.

3. Information about all events and dates related to gardening, put on the posters and places around the garden. Make it clear that everyone can join at any time.

4. Common planting is good to organize during the weekend. Share your responsibilities with other people – provide drinks for the participants, small refreshments, fun for kids and place for adults to relax.

5. Engage your community by organizing picnics in the garden, cooking and eating, cleaning in the first day of spring, summer and autumn. Remember to protect your plants during winter.

Good luck !