I used to coordinate an organic Community Garden in a park which belonged to the City of Berkeley, California. We had to fence the garden in (with barbed wire on top) because of theft of the food crops and damage by roving dogs. We also had to lock up the tool shed because of theft of the tools by non-gardeners. (They'd sell the tools at the local flea market.) Most of the people gardening were middle-aged folks. We tried to get children interested, but we weren't successful. We encouraged a mix of flower and produce gardening because of the pollinators and beauty brought by flowering plants. Cottage gardens are gorgeous! We held potluck meetings once a month (in the garden) to share info, educate each other, and air grievances. Each gardener had their own plot. We discouraged the planting of perennials, unless it was something like an artichoke, which would produce food year after year. Once in awhile we organized work parties. Peer pressure got most of the gardeners to show up. We did our own compost. We had to build a large bin for that. We also had to do intense weeding a couple of times a year because nearby Bermuda grass, growing in the park, would encroach upon the garden. I doubt a rotating schedule would work. Someone will always be flaking out for one reason or another. However, if gardeners have their own plots, they will likely feel more responsible. Sharing amongst gardeners would happen naturally, if there is abundance of some items. If you wish to discuss more in depth, I can be reached at lornaf@zianet.com Please put "community garden" in the subject line so I do not inadvertently trash the Email as spam. Lorna

If your soil is almost pure sand then you need to improve water retention, organic matter levels, and ideally restore the living top layer to its potential glory. Things to add to typical Florida sand (in order): Two weeks before planting - sphagnum peat moss, aged cow manure, compost One week before planting - 1 cup Epsom salt per square foot, greensand/azomite (if using), dolamite lime (about handful/square foot, it depends) Day before - add a 5-5-5 CRF and water thuroghly every two hours for at least three cycles. The order in which I put them on is exactly that listed. I let them sit for a week then till. You may need to make plant specific ammendments such as more lime or less epsom to control the pH. This yields a very good soil, and the next season is even better. Another thing to consider is proper crop rotation: grow legumes one season, then tomatoes, grow root veggies to breaks up the soil, NEVER grow tomatoes in the same spot consecutively (same for any alliums (onion, garlic, leeks) or as a general rule, don't grow members of the same family in the same spot twice), and take advantage of companion planting to maximize yeilds and use of space.

just wanted to share w/ you some links re: kids and greenspace that i am using for arbor day at my schools, the folks at this site are great and sent fliers to me right away! No funding but it might be great material to distribute when trying to raise $ for your cause! Human Environment Research Lab, University of Illinoise. www.herl.uiuc.edu I got these links through my tree board in Ogallala NE. good luck.

I hope this idea really expands. I don't belong to a community garden, but I know that the idea is catching on and it should. As I drive by churches with big lawns I always think "Why don't they get the parishioners together and grow a garden...they could call it "Grow with God" or something to that effect and feed not only needy members but contribute to food banks and at the same time grow comraderie amongst the church members. I have heard of some community gardens where after all the hard work thiefs come in and strip the produce bare. That has always disheartened me and as much as I would love to have another plot of earth to work ...that would be devastating. I have been in contact with a local farm 30 minutes away that will rent farm land for a nominal fee and actually sell the produce through not only their farm-stand but through a CSA as well. I want to do it so bad, not just for the money, that is secondary, but for the sheer joy of bringing fresh, locally grown organic food into peoples kitchens. My problem is my pet sitting business is extremely busy during the summer months and I don't know how I would find the time...but I may try this year. If I ever hit the lottery I would buy a small farm of my own. What a great feeling it is to grow your own food! It is good for the mind, body and soul. Duane