Growing Together Community Garden Toolkit

H

ealthy Lifestyles–Marshfield Area Coalition is a grassroots coalition that began in 2001 to address healthy eating and active living for residents in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The Coalition is comprised of volunteers who promote and deliver effective strategies and opportunities for healthy living. In 2009, the Growing Together–Community Garden Committee established three community garden sites to promote and support local food production, learn and share gardening techniques and provide a place to garden for Marshfield area residents. Marshfield Clinic and Healthy Lifestyles–Marshfield Area Coalition, Growing Together–Community Garden Committee developed this toolkit to provide a framework for starting or maintaining a community garden site using the squarefoot gardening method. We hope this Community Garden toolkit is a helpful resource guide for developing your own community garden.

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Contents Overview

What is a community garden? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 4 What is square-foot gardening?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 5



Getting Started

Form a planning committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 6 Assess community interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 6 Establish potential garden sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Identify the landowners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Determine if the proposed site has a water source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Conduct a soil test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 8 Contact the landowners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 8 Sign a lease and hold-harmless agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 8 Explore donation and funding options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 9



Steps for Building a Community Garden Site

Step 1: Site planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 10 Step 2: Assemble supplies and tools for constructing and maintaining the garden site. . . . . . pg. 11 Step 3: Build a square-foot garden bed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 12 Step 4: Establish a watering source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 13 Step 5: Establish a location and method for composting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 13 Step 6: Plan workdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 13





Gardener Information

Establishing rules and user agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 14 Hosting orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 15 Assigning garden beds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 15 Planting your garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 16 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 17





Post-gardening Season

Cleaning individual beds and the site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 18 Conducting a post-survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 18 Planning during the off-season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 18

Engaging the Community

Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 19 Older adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 20 Food pantries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 21

Appendix A – Timeline and activities for establishing and maintaining a community garden site . . . . . . pg. 23 Appendix B – Sample interest survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 24 –25 Appendix C – Sample lease agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 26 Appendix D – Sample hold-harmless agreement for lessor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 28 Appendix E – Sample donation letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 29 Appendix F – Basics of composting in your community garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 30 –31 Appendix G – Sample user agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 32–33 Appendix H – Example of a reminder sign for a community garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 34 Appendix I – Sample orientation agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 35 Appendix J – Sample hold-harmless agreement for gardeners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 36 Appendix K – Sample post-survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 37–38

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overview 4

What is a community garden?

A

community garden is a parcel of land divided into many individual beds. These beds are available to individuals or groups to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. Community gardens provide benefits to the community and its gardeners:

• promoting and supporting local food production



• providing a place to garden



• fostering a sense of community



• improving quality of life for people working the garden



• providing opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connection



• providing a catalyst for neighborhood and community development



• stimulating social interaction



• encouraging self-reliance



• producing nutritious food



• reducing family food budgets



• conserving resources



• creating opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy and education



• reducing crime



• preserving green space



• reducing city heat from streets and parking lots



• beautifying neighborhoods



• creating income opportunities and economic development

What is square-foot gardening?

S

quare-foot gardening is a form of gardening that uses squares of space for crops rather than planting in rows. A common community garden arrangement is building beds that are 4 feet x 8 feet (32 square feet) with walkways around each bed. The beds are divided into 1 foot x 1 foot sections for growing produce. This technique is used to make gardening more accessible and easy to maintain. Square-foot gardening requires 80 percent less space than traditional gardening, but may yield five times as much produce as traditional gardens.

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Form a planning committee

A

planning committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining a garden site. This includes recruiting and managing gardeners, coordinating educational events and overseeing the garden site. A planning committee can provide infrastructure for designing, developing and maintaining the garden site. The first step to developing a planning committee is recruiting community members who may already have an interest in gardening such as Cooperative Extension offices, master gardeners, healthrelated coalitions, health departments, school administrators, faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations and local businesses. The committee should determine a main contact or chair to lead the committee. The timeline in Appendix A can help start the planning process.

Assess community interest Conduct a survey to assess community interest in establishing a garden. This information will be beneficial prior to constructing the garden site. A community garden interest survey is located in Appendix B.

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Start sm garden all. Communit s requir y e much and eff ort. Pla ti me n for o garden site and ne small later if there is expand addit commu nity int ional erest.

Establish potential garden sites Consider the following when choosing a garden location: • Look for a space with lots of sunlight, about six to eight hours each day. • Use a relatively flat space free of large pieces of concrete or asphalt. • Find an area with a good drainage system. • Locate a space that is easily accessible to those that have expressed an interest. • Identify at least three potential sites because one or more might not be available for use.

Churches, schools, vacant lots, farm land or city property are good locations to consider for community garden sites.

Identify the landowners It is illegal to use land without obtaining the owner’s permission. To get permission, determine who owns the land. The local tax assessor’s office can help. Collect information about the land such as address, nearest cross streets and properties on both sides of the lot if the address is unknown.

Determine if the proposed site has a water source Contact the local water-service provider to find out if the potential site has a water meter. Ask the customer service department for a site investigation. If a water meter is not an option, rain barrels are a cost-effective solution.

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S Conduct a soil test

oil testing is required if the land could have been contaminated in the past. It is beneficial to have soil tested by a private lab for fertility, pH and presence of heavy metals, such as lead or toxins. Call your city or county to make arrangements for a hazard test at the potential site. A Cooperative Extension office can test for soil nutrients.

Contact the landowner Once a site is determined to be feasible, contact the landowner to ask for permission for use of the property. Be sure to mention gardeners will be responsible for keeping the site clean and weed free. Typically, groups lease garden sites from landowners for a minimum of three years to ensure continuity of the garden site. A sample lease agreement is located in Appendix C.

Sign a lease and hold-harmless agreement When negotiating the lease, work with landowners on a hold-harmless agreement. This can help protect your organization as well as landowners from being legally responsible if someone gets hurt while gardening. A sample template of a holdharmless agreement for the lessor is located in Appendix D. The reason why a hold-harmless agreement is a good idea is that many landowners may be concerned about their liability for injuries that might occur at the garden site. Include a simple “hold-harmless” agreement in the gardener agreement forms. Also, consider having volunteers sign the agreement before working in the garden. You may also want to purchase liability insurance. 8

Explore donation and funding options • While some start-up funds are needed, donations can be obtained for the community garden site. • Contact local businesses to ask for donations such as wood, mulch, compost and other materials useful to the garden site. • Many businesses donate or give discounts on items when it benefits the community. Service organizations, community members or businesses may provide financial support for building or sustaining a community garden. • Develop a donation letter about the project and why it is important to the community. Personalize each letter and attach a “wish list.” Deliver the letter personally to the store manager, then follow up by phone. Be patient, persistent and polite. Thank key sponsors and recognize them on your garden sign, media release or special event. Funders may also be identified through the interest survey. A sample donation letter is located in Appendix E. • Applying for grant funding is another option. Many state and federal grants are dedicated to supporting community gardens and increasing access to fresh produce, such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Instruction or Department of Health and Human Services. Also, consider applying for funding through a local community foundation. • Consider requiring gardeners to pay a minimal fee or suggest they provide donations to help maintain the garden site.

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Step 1: Site planning

I

f possible, enlist landscape architects, master gardeners, and Cooperative Extension staff to start planning the square-foot gardening layout. These professionals have experience with square-foot gardening.

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Step 2: Assemble supplies and tools for constructing and maintaining the garden site Constructing and sectioning the garden beds • Untreated lumber • Drills, saws, saw horses, 3 inch long plated deck screws for building raised beds • Compost or soil for beds • Wheelbarrows, shovels and pitchforks for hauling and spreading soil or mulch • Twine or nylon string for dividing beds into square-foot sections • Scissors • Fence staples • Hammer • Cardboard or other substance to lay over grass as a weed barrier Providing water source (supplies may vary depending on water source being used) • Rain barrels • Hoses Installing fence • Fence posts (wood or metal) • Fencing material • Hammers • Fencing staples and nails Creating a bulletin board • Bulletin board or sign (for posting rules, meeting notices and other important information) • Markers and eraser

Tip:

r provid e id s n o C trowel, d n a h , an r the tering c ing a wa el and seeds fo able ov vail hand sh ey are a t h t o s e u sit garden eners througho g a d vin r to all ga ing season. Ha t the en ”a the gard y seed bucket ners nit de “commu at way for gar k e gr rs. Chec e h t o h site is a it seeds w es for to share gardening stor al with loc tions. na se e d d o

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Step 3: Build a square-foot garden bed Build a square frame no wider than 4 feet (2 feet if only one side is accessible). If frames are any wider, reaching plants may be hard. The frame should be about 6 – 8 inches deep. Pathways between garden beds should be at least 3 – 4 feet wide to allow space for wheelbarrows. Use 3 inch long plated deck screws to fasten the box at the corners. If garden beds are built on grass, first lay cardboard or newspaper to help prevent weeds from growing. Be careful when purchasing compost since some garden stores label mulch as compost. Fill the frame with a mixture of half compost and half peat moss or 100 percent compost. Compost provides all nutrients the garden needs and peat moss will hold moisture and keep soil loose. Compost should feel light and fluffy and appear dark. Choose compost that contains different types of matter including leaves, grass clippings, plant scraps and manure. Finally, fill the bed with compost and follow the steps below to create 1 foot square sections. Insert fence staples or plated deck screws every 12 inches on the inside of the frame along the top edge of the garden box. Be sure the heads of the fence staples or screws stick out about ¼ to ½ inch from the frame, so there is enough room to insert a string. Follow the pattern below to assist you in stringing your garden bed.

I

H

E

D

A

5

6 B

12

4

3

1

2

J

G

F

C

B

Tip: Local newspapers or church bulletins are an effective way to advertise available beds, share garden success stories and recruit volunteers.

Step 4: Establish a watering source • Have a source of water at the site so gardeners do not have to bring their own. Consider installing rain barrels that capture rainwater from rooftops. Recycled water can be used to water gardens. • If you use rain barrels, have a backup plan. During dry periods, rain barrels may be empty. Your municipality may have a water truck to fill rain barrels in a drought situation.

Encourage gardeners to bring their own watering can or provide watering cans for gardeners to use at the site. It is not recommended to have unkept hoses on the garden site since they can be a safety hazard.

Step 5: Establish a location and method for composting Have a compost bin for plant refuse and weeds onsite. Bins must be monitored throughout the season and emptied. Make sure gardeners know how to sort trash properly, what to compost and what to recycle. Trash cans placed in accessible areas are helpful to keep a neat and tidy garden. More information on composting can be found on Appendix F.

Step 6: Plan workdays Workdays are essential to build garden beds, spread mulch/compost, and construct fencing. Schedule workdays when the majority of the planning committee can attend. Youth groups, service organizations, local schools and businesses may be interested in helping. 13

Gardener Information Establishing rules and user agreement

D

evelop rules and expectations for gardeners with the planning committee. Once rules and expectations are agreed upon, create a user agreement. Review the agreement at orientation and have gardeners sign it before receiving bed assignments. A sample user agreement is in Appendix G.

Tip:

Have to main tain a fr a “reminder s ig ie beginn ing of t ndly atmosph n” at the gard en site he seas ere and o n. A s a t o f o l low the to encourage mple re gar rul m i n d er sign is i es they agree deners d to at n A pp e the nd i x H.

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Hosting orientation • Orientation provides gardening education and information on garden site rules and procedures. It should be held before gardeners begin to plant. Remind gardeners to pay any fees at orientation. • Develop an agenda for orientation so the planning committee can stay on track and gardeners know what to expect. A sample agenda is in Appendix I. At the end of garden orientation make sure each gardener has signed the user and hold-harmless agreements. This should be done prior to assigning beds. A sample of the hold-harmless agreement is in Appendix J.

Tip:

At orientation, remind gardeners to turn off the rain barrel faucet, close or lock the garden gate, clean up after themselves and ask another gardener, family member or friend to take care of their bed(s) while they away.

Assigning garden beds • Use stencils to paint numbers on garden bed frames. Paint sticks can be used to mark beds with the gardener’s last name and bed number. • In subsequent years, give returning gardeners their first choice and then assign new gardeners to remaining beds.

 

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Planting your garden Depending on the mature plant size, plant one, four, nine or 16 seeds per square foot. Plant seeds by making a shallow hole with your finger. Place seed and cover loosely with soil. Be sure not to pack the soil. Water the garden often at first, but do not overwater since soil can hold a large amount. The chart below indicates how many plants or seeds each 1 foot x 1 foot square will hold.

Root/Tubers

Leaf Crops

Fruit/Legumes

Potatoes 1 Sweet potatoes 1 Manioc 1 Beets 9 Carrots 16 Turnips 9 Radish 16 Onion (small) 16 Onion (larger) 9

Cabbage family Broccoli 1 Kale 1 Collards 1 Cabbages 1

Beans Green (string) 9 Soy 4 Fava 4

Lettuces Fancy 4 European greens 4 Chards 4 Spinach 9 New Zealand Spinach 1

Peas 9 Melons 1 Squash 1 Tomatoes 1 Artichoke 1 Corn 4 Eggplant 1 Cucumber 1 Okra 1 Peppers 1 Pumpkins 1

Herbs

Other

Special

Parsley 4 Onion (green) 16 Cilantro 4 Basil 4 Oregano 4 Mint 4

Horseradish 1 Ginger 1 Garlic 9

Medicinal Cultural

Oriental Bok Choy 4

Source: Square Foot Gardening, UW Extension, 1999.

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(Follow local customs)

Troubleshooting All community gardens will experience problems at times. Do not get discouraged, just get organized. The key to success is not only preventing problems from occurring, but also working together to solve them. Clear and well-enforced garden rules can minimize misunderstandings at the garden.

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Post-Gardening Season

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Cleaning individual beds and the site

O

nce gardening season has ended, schedule community workdays to clean the garden site. The amount of workdays needed will depend on the size of the site and the number of volunteers that have signed up to help.

Tip:

If using the square-foot gardening technique, clean beds without cutting the string at the end of the season. Otherwise, beds will have to be restrung in the spring.

Conducting a post-survey Conduct a post-survey to evaluate gardeners’ experience and areas of improvement for next year. Include a section for gardeners to write suggestions and to indicate if they are interested in reserving a garden bed for next year. A sample of a post-survey is located in Appendix K.

Planning during the off-season • Review post-surveys and lessons learned • Identify ways to improve and promote the garden to all community members • Schedule garden orientation for the upcoming season • Celebrate success of the gardening season by having a harvest party

Engaging the Community Youth • Incorporate youth in gardening by asking schools or after school programs if they would like to be involved. Gardening gives youth the chance to grow their own fruits and vegetables, while connecting to nature. Gardening also develops physical skills, gives youth responsibility and increases appreciation of how food is grown. Gardening experiences can be integrated into the classroom curriculum to increase knowledge of nutrition in addition to motivating youth to try new foods. • Include administrators, teachers, parents, students and community members in the planning process. Form a school garden committee.

Tip:

Make it fu food p n. Teach yout reser h ab o u t and nu vation, prepa trition. ration D em o n how to stra use a fo dehydr od juice te ato r or to prep r. Encourage yo ar themse e healthy snac uth lves and ks their fa for milies.

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Older adults • Encourage housing developers and health care administrators to have a garden for older adults on their property. Community gardens promote the following benefits: ––Builds confidence and self-esteem ––Creates an opportunity for moderate levels of exercise ––Social interaction with other residents ––Produces a higher overall life satisfaction ––Promotes relaxation while reducing stress levels ––Reduces food cost and increasing nutritional value ––Strengthens fine and gross motor skills ––Creates visual appeal • Make sure rest areas, toilets and tools are nearby and easily available for older adults. • Make sure raised beds are 3 ½ feet off the ground to minimize strain caused by bending to care for plants. The bed’s center should be no farther than an arm’s length away.

Tip:

er rs und s i a h c s or dult enche or older a n. b t u f P garde trees shady while they wide and t to res should be ials that ays ater Pathw ed with m dividuals lin in level, for use by d walkers. allow elchairs an he with w

Tip: 20

Check for hazards such as roots and uneven ground. Fix these hazards before allowing older adults to garden.

Food pantries • Contact local food pantries to see if they would like fresh produce from the community garden. If yes, designate a bed for the local food pantry or have a “Share a Square” bin for gardeners to donate extra produce. This enables community gardeners to share excess food, helps eliminate food waste and improves nutritional needs of food pantry clients. • Ask gardeners to volunteer their time to take donations to the pantry or harvest food pantry beds. Provide a list of dates and times food pantries are open. • Tracking the number of pounds is a fun way to gauge your community impact.

Provide a tracking log for volunteers to record produce and pounds donated.

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Appendix

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Appendix A -

Timeline and activities for establishing and maintaining a community garden site

November-January (ongoing)

February-May

• Form a planning committee. A committee is typically responsible for funding, garden design, recruiting and or managing gardeners, establishing rules, coordinating events, education, administrative duties, etc.

Accept gardener applications and conduct orientation

• Assess community interest

March-May

• Determine garden location • Define expectations from involved groups

January-March (ongoing) Find funding sources • Grants • Monetary donations • Material donations • Labor donations • Community contacts

February-April Promote garden to recruit gardeners, volunteers, and potential donations through

• Explain expectations for garden participants • Explain basic principles of gardening

• Design physical layout • Prioritize materials list • Acquire materials • Prepare land for gardens • Construct garden beds

April-September • Planting • Garden maintenance • Building projects at garden site • Educational opportunities for gardeners and public • Open house

• News releases and letters to the editor

• Newspaper articles

• Brochures and flyers

October-November

• Interviews on local radio and TV programs • Social media • Presentations at civic and community meetings

• Garden clean-up • Post-survey • Plan for the following year • Continue promotion and fundraising

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Appendix B -

Sample interest survey

A

planning committee has been formed, as collaboration between [all organizations involved]. This group wants to determine the level of interest and support in creating a community garden for area residents. A community garden is a parcel of land divided into many individual beds. These beds are available to individuals or groups to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. Use of these community garden beds requires a commitment to maintain them by planting, weeding, harvesting and cleaning after the growing season.



1.

Would you be interested in a community garden being established in our community?

o Yes o No o Unsure

2. Would you be interested in having a garden bed for your own use? If no, please skip to question #4.

o Yes o No o Unsure



3. Would you need some help in growing a garden (check all that apply)?



o o o o o o

I do not need help I would appreciate help in deciding what to plant I would appreciate help in planting I need some tools for gardening I need help in learning how to use produce I grow I need help in learning how to preserve my crops

4. What issues would you want addressed in establishing a community garden? Do you have any concerns about a community garden? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

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5. Would you be interested in helping in any of the following ways (check all that apply)?



o o o o o o



6. If you would like to be kept informed of the community garden’s progress, please provide your contact information. This information will not be shared with anyone other than the planning committee.



Teaching and modeling how to garden Helping with planting and maintaining Sharing a garden bed with someone Teaching gardeners how to use fresh-grown produce Teaching gardeners how to freeze, dry or can the harvest Helping to fund a community garden

First and last name: ___________________________________________________________________ Organization: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City/Town: _________________________________________________________________________ Zip Code: __________________________________________________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone number: _____________________________________________________________________ Please return this survey by [date]. Send to:

Contact Person



Organization Name



Street Address of Organization



City, State, Zip Code For more information, call [contact person] at [phone number] or [e-mail address].

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Appendix C -

Sample lease agreement

1. Parties. THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between [leasing organization], hereinafter

called Lessor, and [your organization] herein after called Lessee.



The Lessor leases unto the Lessee and the Lessee leases from the Lessor the following described premises: south xx’ of the west xxx’ (xxxx sq. ft.) of the property of [leasing organization], [address of leasing organization].

2. Terms. The lease begins [start date] and ends [end date]. Lessor is required to give a ninety-(90)

day written notice prior to terminating the lease.

3. Rental. The Lessee agrees to pay the annual rental rate of $1. The annual fee is due May 1 each



year. In the event Lessee fails to pay rent within 30 days of due date, Lessor, at its option, may declare the lease void and be entitled to immediate possession of the premises.

4. Assignment of lease. The Lessee agrees not to assign this lease or any part of the leased

premises without first obtaining written consent of the Lessor.

5. Additional areas of access. Lessor understands the Lessee’s participants may also have access



to the parking lot, playground and pavilion.

6. Rental conditions. If there is destruction of property, the Lessee agrees to restore the property

to its original condition. The Lessor shall determine changes to be made in such cases.

7. Hold-Harmless Agreement. Unless Lessor provides proof of insurance, each member, volunteer



and participant of the organization will sign a hold-harmless agreement on an annual basis.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Lessor and Lessee have duly executed this lease.



[Lessor’s name]

[Name of your organization]

By: ____________________________ __________ By: ___________________________ _________ Lessor Date Lessee Date

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Appendix D -

Sample hold-harmless agreement for lessor

I/We the undersigned authorize representatives(s) of [organization] of the city of [city name], State of Wisconsin to use the grounds and building [name of leasing organization] from [start date] to [end date], for the purpose of garden beds herein referred to as “the activity.” I/We understand and agree that neither [leasing organization], nor its trustees, representatives, employees or agents may be held liable in any way for an occurrence in connection with the activity, which may result in loss of property, injury, harm or other damages to the undersigned or members of our organization and guests, invited or not. As part of the consideration for being allowed to use your facility, building and grounds, as well as all appliances and fixtures in the activity, I/we hereby assume all risk in connection with participation in the activity. I/We further release [leasing organization], its trustees, employees, agents or representatives for any damage that may occur while participating in the activity. I/We further agree to save and hold harmless [leasing organization], its trustees, employees, agents or representatives from any claim by the undersigned member of the organization, their estates, heirs or assigned arising out of or participation in any form or fashion in the activity. I/We also authorize [leasing organization], its employees or agents to render or obtain such emergency medical care or treatment as may be necessary should any injury, harm or accident occur while participating in the activity. I/We further state that I/we are authorized to sign this agreement; that I/we understand terms herein are contractual and not mere recital; and I/we have signed this document of my/our own free act and volition. I/We further state and acknowledge that I/we have fully informed myself/ourselves of the content of this affirmation and release by reading it before I/we signed it. I/We have executed this affirmation and release on the _____day of ___________________, 20_____ Signature:__________________________________________________________________________ [Name of your organization] Signature:__________________________________________________________________________ [Name of leasing organization]

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Appendix E -

Sample donation letter

[Date] Dear [Name of Organization/Business/Individual],

[Name of your organization] is establishing a community garden for [city] residents. Several garden beds will be available for this spring’s growing season. Community garden organizers include representatives from [all organizations involved] and many interested citizens. Gardens will be located at [location], at [address]. Individual garden beds will be built for gardeners who will be invited to attend learning sessions in organic strategies; harvesting and preparing crops and preserving fresh produce. Your support is needed for this effort and we ask for your help with start-up costs. Any donation or your time or talent is truly appreciated. Items that would be helpful include: • Lumber for garden frames • Compost for garden beds • Mulch to cover spaces between beds to reduce maintenance • Garden tools, including hand trowels, hand shovels and watering cans • Seeds If you plan to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to [organization] with “community garden” on the memo line and use the enclosed envelope to send the check to [address]. To donate time or talent, please contact [contact person] at [phone number] or at [e-mail address]. Also, planning committee members would be happy to make a short presentation to your organization. To make arrangements, please contact [contact person] at [phone number] or at [e-mail address]. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Name of Organization]

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Appendix F -

Basics of composting in your community garden

What is compost? Compost is an extremely nutritious soil made from decomposed organic material. Composting is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of organic waste in your garden. When composting, worms or bacteria eat organic material, resulting in compost.

How does composting work? For compost to work, three ingredients are necessary: food, air and water. Food comes from materials added to the compost bin. Air is provided when compost is turned or by using a bin with vents. If compost begins to smell, it is not getting enough air. Simply, turn the compost pile to provide more air. Water comes from rain or materials that are wet or contain water inside them. A compost pile should have the same amount of moisture as a damp sponge. If your pile is too dry, add water.

How do I balance compost? To have a successful compost pile or bin, a balance is needed between green and brown materials. Green materials, such as grass clippings, weeds and food waste are high in nitrogen and help keep compost damp. Brown materials are drier, such as dry leaves, sawdust and straw.

What can be composted? • Grass clippings • Dead plants • Fall leaves • Annual weeds

What should not be composted? • Diseased plants, especially tomatoes • Weeds that have seeded • Invasive weeds

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What can be done with compost? Compost is finished when it becomes dark, crumbly and smells earthy. All material may not be composted by the time you are ready to use it. Return any unfinished material to the compost pile. Once compost is ready to use, spread a 2 – 4 inch layer of compost on garden beds when no plants are growing, in either spring or fall.

Tips for building a compost pile If compost piles are done right, they will have a pleasant, good-earth fragrance. Here are a few tips: • Most first attempts at making compost fail because material in the center of the pile did not reach a high enough temperature (somewhere around 140 degrees Fahrenheit). • To reach the right temperature to break down material, three elements must be present: air, moisture and nitrogen. • Sufficient air space can be provided by shredding or chipping material before adding it. To help air reach the bottom of the pile, use a piece of screen raised a couple of inches off the ground or make an open arrangement of bricks after the base for the pile. • To keep it from getting too wet, the pile should be covered. Ideally, it should be about as damp as a wrung out sponge at all times. • Blood meal, manure or inorganic fertilizer will provide nitrogen needed by microorganisms that break down the materials. Other options are products specifically made to speed up decomposition, sold as “compost boosters” or “compost makers.” • If too thick a layer of clippings is applied at one time, the pile quickly can become a soggy, smelly mess. Either mix clippings into the pile or mix dry material (such as leaves or chipped branches or twigs) into them before adding to the pile. • Compost is done when it has cooled down and earthworms can be seen in it. This should take between about two and three months longer in cool or cold weather.

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Appendix G -

Sample user agreement

Community Garden Rules & Expectations

Restrictions

1. Signed Waiver and Fee: A $_____ fee is requested

Gardeners’ children need to be closely supervised. Pets are not allowed.

2. Square-Foot Gardening Method: All gardeners are

Gardeners cannot plant perennials or crops such as corn, mints and sunflowers which may interfere with adjacent beds or affect soil. Vine crops (squash, beans, peas) and tomatoes need to be trellised or caged to prevent spilling out of bed.

3. Bed Maintenance: Gardeners must keep their beds

Gardeners may not use any pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals.

along with a signed user agreement with expectation to attend orientation. Additional learning opportunities will be provided. expected to follow the Square-Foot Gardening method as closely as possible. Square-Foot Gardening requirements are provided in the “Growing Together” orientation session. Additional learning opportunities will be offered during the growing season.

clean, weed free and harvested. If the bed becomes unkempt (as determined by the site coordinator) the gardener will be given one week’s notice to clean it, otherwise it will be reassigned. If a bed is not maintained, the gardener will be restricted from using a bed in the future. All gardeners are expected to participate in keeping the whole site clean and safe. Weeding pathways around the perimeter of an assigned bed is expected. Respect other gardeners’ beds and property of the land owner. If you are unable to keep up with your harvest or tend to your bed, you must contact a friend or family member to help. Avoid letting tomatoes drop or other crops go to seed or spoil into the soil.

4. Disposal: All plant material (weeds, plant growth) must be

Gardeners must take potato/tomato plant refuse home to discard – do not use compost bins.

5. Water: Water will be provided when possible; you are

Hoses are not allowed in garden beds.

disposed of properly. Bring your own container to remove this material. Break up all discarded vegetation to fist size amounts before placing in compost bins provided. This will aid in timely decomposition. encouraged to bring milk jugs of water when it is not available.

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6. Harvest: Gardeners must harvest all produce as it matures

and clean up beds by November 1. If a bed is not maintained throughout the season, the gardener will be restricted from using a bed in the future. All plant material (weeds, plant growth) must be disposed of properly. All gardeners are required to participate in keeping the entire site clean and safe.

7. Gardening as a silent sport and a natural experience: Gardeners are encouraged to enjoy being outdoors while gardening, surrounded by nature, breeze and birdsong. Only personal audio devices with headphones are allowed.

Alcohol and tobacco use of any kind is prohibited on the grounds (tobacco can transmit a lethal virus to tomatoes).

8. Care and Community Connections: Respect other

gardeners’ beds and property. Please tend only to the bed you are assigned; pick up trash and take home for disposal.

Agreement: I have read the list of rules and by this application agree to comply with them.

I understand that failure to comply may result in cancellation of my application and/or reassignment of my bed. I understand that any guests or people helping me with my garden bed will also comply with the rules.

Signature:______________________________________________Date:________________ Name (please print): _________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ Phone number:______________________________________________________________________ E-mail:_____________________________________________________________________________ Alternative contact:__________________________________________________________________ Number:___________________________________________________________________________ E-mail:_____________________________________________________________________________ (these numbers will not be shared with anyone outside of the garden committee) *An e-mail address must be provided to use a bed (e.g. personal, friend’s or a family member’s address). Enclosed is $_____ for garden bed use. Yes ________ No ________ Make checks payable to: [organization name] on memo line Additional donations are appreciated for future improvement and expansion. Names and phone numbers of site coordinators [Contact person] [Contact person]

[phone number] [phone number]

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Example of a reminder sign for a community garden

Growing Together Community Garden Reminders •P  lease harvest vegetables regularly as they ripen to avoid waste and rotting/seeding. • Please break plant refuse into small, fist-size pieces before composing • Thank you for turning off the water tightly at the faucet after watering.  lease return any materials you may have borrowed and close the storage •P bin and gate securely. • Thank you for respecting our no pesticide rule.  lease keep your bed and surrounding areas weeded, this helps maintain •P the entire site. • Questions? Call the site coordinator or Marshfield Clinic at 715-221-8400. Thank you to all who care for our gardens.

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Appendix I -

Sample orientation agenda

Community Garden Orientation Date & time Location 7:00 p.m. Welcome 7:05 p.m.

Educational Session • Proper planting techniques • Reasons for not needing chemicals or fertilizers

7:45 p.m.

Rules and Regulations • Important rules and regulations • Review User Agreement • Discuss what plants are not allowed and why • Review locations of compost bins, garbage cans, water access, etc. • Questions

8:00 p.m. Registration • Signing agreement forms - all gardeners • Garden bed assignments • Garden tour • Garden layout

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Appendix J -

Sample hold-harmless agreement for gardeners

I/We the undersigned shall be using the grounds at [leasing site] for the purpose of garden beds herein referred to as “the activity.” I/We understand and agree that neither [leasing site] nor its trustees, representatives, employees or agents may be held liable in any way for an occurrence in connection with the activity, which may result in loss of property, injury, harm or other damages to the undersigned or members of our organization and guests, invited or not. In addition, the undersigned also agrees to the same above stated terms related to [name of your organization], their directors and volunteers. As part of the consideration for being allowed to use your facility, building and grounds, as well as all appliances and fixtures in the activity, I/we hereby assume all risk in connection with participation in the activity. I/We further release [leasing site], [name of your organization], their trustees, employees, agents or representatives for any damage that may occur while participating in the activity. I/We further agree to save and hold harmless [leasing site], [your organization], their trustees, employees, agents, or representatives from any claim by the undersigned member of the organization, their estates, heirs or assigns arising out of or participation in any form or fashion in the activity. I/We also authorize [leasing site], its employees or agents to render or obtain such emergency medical care or treatment as may be necessary should any injury, harm or accident occur while participating in the activity. I/We further state that I/we are authorized to sign this agreement; that I/we understand the terms herein are contractual and not mere recital; and that I/we have signed this document of my/our own free act and volition. I/We further state and acknowledge that I/we have fully informed myself/ ourselves of the content of this affirmation and release by reading it before I/we signed it. I/We have executed this affirmation and release on the _____day of ___________________, 20_____ Signature:__________________________________________________________________________ Participant

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Appendix K -

Sample post-survey

Thank you for participating in the growing season of the community gardens. We want to hear from you about your overall experience and suggestions for improvement for next year. Please take five minutes to complete the questionnaire below and return in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. 1. After joining the community garden, how often did you garden during the gardening season?

q Daily

q Once a week

q Once a month

q 3-5 times a week

q 2-3 times a month

2. Please rate each of the following aspects of the community garden. Excellent Good Fair Poor a. Garden location (distance from your home) b. Social atmosphere at the garden c. Quality of garden resources (soil, water, etc.) d. Organization/management of the garden e. Knowledge of volunteers

q q q q q

q q q q q

q q q q q

q q q q q

Agree

Disagree

N/A

q q q q q q q q

q q q q q q q q

q q q q q q q q

3. How would you rate your overall experience working in this garden?

q Excellent

q Good

q Fair

q Poor

4. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with following statements.

Because I had a bed in the community garden... a. I eat more fruits and vegetables b. I eat food that is fresher (less packaged food) c. I eat less fast food d. I am more physically active e. I eat new kinds of food f. I spend less money on food g. I am better able to provide food for my family and myself h. I feel better about where my food comes from

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5. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements.

Because I had a bed in the community garden... a. I have learned more about gardening b. I have gained new gardening skills c. I am donating extra food to other people d. I know more about the environment e. I care more about the environment f. I am teaching my family and/or friends to garden g. I spend more time with my family

Agree

Disagree

N/A

q q q q q q q

q q q q q q q

q q q q q q q

6. What is the best way to communicate future events or information to you? (check all that apply.)

q Garden bulletin board

q Phone

q E-mail

q Other ________________________

7. Did you find the educational sessions which you attended beneficial? q Yes q No If yes, which:_____________________________________________________________________ 8. What topics, if any, would you like to see covered in the educational sessions? _________________________________________________________________________________ 9. What time of day works best for you to attend the educational sessions?

q Morning

q Afternoon

q Evening

10. Did you donate excess produce to an area food pantry?

q Yes

q No

12. Do you have any additional comments regarding community gardens or how we can improve the community garden experience? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ We are forming a gardener list for next year. Please complete the following information if you are interested in reserving a bed for next year. First and last name: ___________________________________________________________________ Organization: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City/Town: __________________________________________________ Zip Code:_______________ E-mail address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone number: _____________________________________________________________________

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Thank you for being a part of the community garden! Adapted from the Community Food Project Evaluation Toolkit.

This disclaimer must appear on all adapted materials from the Growing Together Community Garden Toolkit:

Adapted with permission from Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach and Healthy Lifestyles–Marshfield Area Coalition.

For more information contact: Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach 1000 North Oak Avenue Marshfield, WI 54449 1-800-782-8581, ext. 1-8400 715-221-8400 Fax: 715-389-8779 E-mail: [email protected]

9060-000 (01/14)