#TeachMe.To

[otiskeene]

TeachMe.To Launches Mobile App To Help Sports Pros Book And Manage Client Lessons With AI-Powered Tools

The TeachMe.To Coach App, designed for busy coaches and professionals, has been released by TeachMe.To, a community for novices looking for courses. This cutting-edge tool makes lesson scheduling and booking more efficient, makes client administration easier, and syncs all lesson-related data with TeachMe.To effortlessly.

The TeachMe.To Coach app, created for teachers of several sports such as pickleball, tennis, golf, and surfing, among others, gives them the ability to manage their schedules, maximize their time, and improve their customer service.

The TeachMe.To Coach App, which was created with coach and professional demands in mind, has an intuitive interface and strong features that make administrative work easier. The automation of payments, scheduling, and communication frees up teachers to concentrate on what they do best—teach and provide excellent customer service.

TeachMe.To CEO Nick O'Brien emphasizes how the app helps instructors overcome obstacles, streamline their work, and offer a complete solution to succeed in their positions.

Read More - https://bit.ly/3RwJJDG

[cleverhottubmiracle]

While strolling around the neighborhood or walking on the treadmill can help you get your steps in, it can also become monotonous after a while. Instead of sticking to the same routine, why not try walking yoga—a practice that combines yoga, meditation and walking? This wellness trend is a simple way to find balance, boost your wellbeing and stay in the present moment. Keep reading to discover the benefits, plus easy tips to help you get started.  What is walking yoga? Even though walking yoga isn’t a new concept, it’s becoming more popular thanks to the simple combination of breathwork, yoga poses and walking. “When focusing on the breath, the intention is to match your footwork and breathing so that you are present and rooted in the current moment,” says Joanna Rajendran, mindset expert, yoga teacher and author of Best. Life. Ever. “It transforms your usual walk into a meditation in motion.” You can start small by simply pausing to connect with nature, release stagnant energy or tune into your body. However, Rajendran says you can also take it to the next level by adding actual yoga poses (asanas) to the mix as you get comfortable (more on that below). “Choosing postures that work well while walking is a key piece to ensuring that the walk remains fluid and can be practiced safely,” she adds.  The benefits of walking yoga Whether you’re ready to try something new or like the spiritual aspect of yoga, there are plenty of perks to incorporating this unique practice into your daily routine. Some of the health perks you can expect:  It reduces stress  Walking on its own naturally calms the mind. But walking yoga, which pairs the rhythmic movement with mindful breathing, soothes the nervous system and promotes emotional balance, explains Veronique Ory, yoga instructor and founder of Yoga With VeroniqueWalking. It can also ease stress, as walking in nature helps clear the mind  It eases aches  Moving your body is key to staying healthy, and walking yoga can build muscle, strengthen the heart, increase mobility and reduce pain. The best part? This low-impact workout can make a big difference without putting a lot of stress on the body, explains Janet McClure, a certified yoga teacher with TeachMe.To.  It’s also great for your joints. “Gentle walking combined with mindful stretching before or after the practice keeps joints healthy and lubricated, especially for those who struggle with high-impact movement,” adds Ory. Even just five minutes of walking yoga daily can help deliver the benefits.  It promotes weight loss Combining walking with yoga is excellent for cardiovascular health, but it can also help you burn calories, which is helpful for weight loss.  Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that yoga was one of the most beneficial practices for overweight or obese people because it gets your metabolism without strain on your joints. And when you add walking to the mix, you get a well-rounded workout that burns calories can help you shed unwanted pounds.  It keeps you in the present Relaxing can be challenging with busy schedules, but walking yoga brings your attention to the present moment. “This happens as we focus our attention on the breath and sensations in the body,” says Khanyi Tshabalala, founder and CEO of Seize the Light Foundation. “While engaging in walking yoga, you intentionally become aware of the physical sensation of walking, the environment around you and your breath.” It boosts your energy Ory explains that a brisk walking yoga practice, like traditional asana, can revitalize your energy, help move stagnant emotions (for example, feeling stuck or ruminating about something negative) and boost circulation.  How to practice walking yoga Walking yoga is easy to incorporate into your daily life, whether you need a five-minute reset or a fully immersive experience in nature. It’s about creating mindful movement and finding what works for you rather than sticking to rigid rules. Here, Tshabalala shares her best tips for getting started:  Focus on your breathing. As you start walking (ideally outdoors in nature, if you can) observe your inhales and exhales. Deepen each inhale and exhale, consciously breathing in and out for about five counts each. Bring awareness to your feet. Ground them into the earth and visualize each toe and the soles of your feet connecting to the earth with each step you take. Observe your surroundings. While walking, observe your surroundings (like leafy green trees gently swaying in the breeze) to bring awareness to the present moment. Notice what you can see and how you feel. Do not label any emotion as good or bad—just acknowledge your feelings and let them pass. Pause for a pose: If you’re up for it, find a comfortable space to pause your walk and try mountain pose, tree pose, warrior pose or other standing yoga poses/stretches for a few minutes before resuming. Become more present. This presence will allow you to experience the walk—and your life—more deeply and authentically. Walking yoga tips  It’s important to keep in mind that the practice of walking yoga will vary depending on your health goals. But with any movement, you should prioritize doing it three to five days a week, working your way up to about 40 minutes a day. However, McClure says to listen to your body. “Some weeks you may need less and some you may need more, but prioritizing time to move is the most important part.” McClure’s advice: Be prepared. “Make sure you have a long and easy path on the eyes, give yourself enough time, wear comfortable clothes that are weather-appropriate and remember to go easy on yourself, especially when trying something new.”  This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan. Source link

[norajworld]

While strolling around the neighborhood or walking on the treadmill can help you get your steps in, it can also become monotonous after a while. Instead of sticking to the same routine, why not try walking yoga—a practice that combines yoga, meditation and walking? This wellness trend is a simple way to find balance, boost your wellbeing and stay in the present moment. Keep reading to discover the benefits, plus easy tips to help you get started.  What is walking yoga? Even though walking yoga isn’t a new concept, it’s becoming more popular thanks to the simple combination of breathwork, yoga poses and walking. “When focusing on the breath, the intention is to match your footwork and breathing so that you are present and rooted in the current moment,” says Joanna Rajendran, mindset expert, yoga teacher and author of Best. Life. Ever. “It transforms your usual walk into a meditation in motion.” You can start small by simply pausing to connect with nature, release stagnant energy or tune into your body. However, Rajendran says you can also take it to the next level by adding actual yoga poses (asanas) to the mix as you get comfortable (more on that below). “Choosing postures that work well while walking is a key piece to ensuring that the walk remains fluid and can be practiced safely,” she adds.  The benefits of walking yoga Whether you’re ready to try something new or like the spiritual aspect of yoga, there are plenty of perks to incorporating this unique practice into your daily routine. Some of the health perks you can expect:  It reduces stress  Walking on its own naturally calms the mind. But walking yoga, which pairs the rhythmic movement with mindful breathing, soothes the nervous system and promotes emotional balance, explains Veronique Ory, yoga instructor and founder of Yoga With VeroniqueWalking. It can also ease stress, as walking in nature helps clear the mind  It eases aches  Moving your body is key to staying healthy, and walking yoga can build muscle, strengthen the heart, increase mobility and reduce pain. The best part? This low-impact workout can make a big difference without putting a lot of stress on the body, explains Janet McClure, a certified yoga teacher with TeachMe.To.  It’s also great for your joints. “Gentle walking combined with mindful stretching before or after the practice keeps joints healthy and lubricated, especially for those who struggle with high-impact movement,” adds Ory. Even just five minutes of walking yoga daily can help deliver the benefits.  It promotes weight loss Combining walking with yoga is excellent for cardiovascular health, but it can also help you burn calories, which is helpful for weight loss.  Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that yoga was one of the most beneficial practices for overweight or obese people because it gets your metabolism without strain on your joints. And when you add walking to the mix, you get a well-rounded workout that burns calories can help you shed unwanted pounds.  It keeps you in the present Relaxing can be challenging with busy schedules, but walking yoga brings your attention to the present moment. “This happens as we focus our attention on the breath and sensations in the body,” says Khanyi Tshabalala, founder and CEO of Seize the Light Foundation. “While engaging in walking yoga, you intentionally become aware of the physical sensation of walking, the environment around you and your breath.” It boosts your energy Ory explains that a brisk walking yoga practice, like traditional asana, can revitalize your energy, help move stagnant emotions (for example, feeling stuck or ruminating about something negative) and boost circulation.  How to practice walking yoga Walking yoga is easy to incorporate into your daily life, whether you need a five-minute reset or a fully immersive experience in nature. It’s about creating mindful movement and finding what works for you rather than sticking to rigid rules. Here, Tshabalala shares her best tips for getting started:  Focus on your breathing. As you start walking (ideally outdoors in nature, if you can) observe your inhales and exhales. Deepen each inhale and exhale, consciously breathing in and out for about five counts each. Bring awareness to your feet. Ground them into the earth and visualize each toe and the soles of your feet connecting to the earth with each step you take. Observe your surroundings. While walking, observe your surroundings (like leafy green trees gently swaying in the breeze) to bring awareness to the present moment. Notice what you can see and how you feel. Do not label any emotion as good or bad—just acknowledge your feelings and let them pass. Pause for a pose: If you’re up for it, find a comfortable space to pause your walk and try mountain pose, tree pose, warrior pose or other standing yoga poses/stretches for a few minutes before resuming. Become more present. This presence will allow you to experience the walk—and your life—more deeply and authentically. Walking yoga tips  It’s important to keep in mind that the practice of walking yoga will vary depending on your health goals. But with any movement, you should prioritize doing it three to five days a week, working your way up to about 40 minutes a day. However, McClure says to listen to your body. “Some weeks you may need less and some you may need more, but prioritizing time to move is the most important part.” McClure’s advice: Be prepared. “Make sure you have a long and easy path on the eyes, give yourself enough time, wear comfortable clothes that are weather-appropriate and remember to go easy on yourself, especially when trying something new.”  This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan. Source link

[chilimili212]

While strolling around the neighborhood or walking on the treadmill can help you get your steps in, it can also become monotonous after a while. Instead of sticking to the same routine, why not try walking yoga—a practice that combines yoga, meditation and walking? This wellness trend is a simple way to find balance, boost your wellbeing and stay in the present moment. Keep reading to discover the benefits, plus easy tips to help you get started.  What is walking yoga? Even though walking yoga isn’t a new concept, it’s becoming more popular thanks to the simple combination of breathwork, yoga poses and walking. “When focusing on the breath, the intention is to match your footwork and breathing so that you are present and rooted in the current moment,” says Joanna Rajendran, mindset expert, yoga teacher and author of Best. Life. Ever. “It transforms your usual walk into a meditation in motion.” You can start small by simply pausing to connect with nature, release stagnant energy or tune into your body. However, Rajendran says you can also take it to the next level by adding actual yoga poses (asanas) to the mix as you get comfortable (more on that below). “Choosing postures that work well while walking is a key piece to ensuring that the walk remains fluid and can be practiced safely,” she adds.  The benefits of walking yoga Whether you’re ready to try something new or like the spiritual aspect of yoga, there are plenty of perks to incorporating this unique practice into your daily routine. Some of the health perks you can expect:  It reduces stress  Walking on its own naturally calms the mind. But walking yoga, which pairs the rhythmic movement with mindful breathing, soothes the nervous system and promotes emotional balance, explains Veronique Ory, yoga instructor and founder of Yoga With VeroniqueWalking. It can also ease stress, as walking in nature helps clear the mind  It eases aches  Moving your body is key to staying healthy, and walking yoga can build muscle, strengthen the heart, increase mobility and reduce pain. The best part? This low-impact workout can make a big difference without putting a lot of stress on the body, explains Janet McClure, a certified yoga teacher with TeachMe.To.  It’s also great for your joints. “Gentle walking combined with mindful stretching before or after the practice keeps joints healthy and lubricated, especially for those who struggle with high-impact movement,” adds Ory. Even just five minutes of walking yoga daily can help deliver the benefits.  It promotes weight loss Combining walking with yoga is excellent for cardiovascular health, but it can also help you burn calories, which is helpful for weight loss.  Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that yoga was one of the most beneficial practices for overweight or obese people because it gets your metabolism without strain on your joints. And when you add walking to the mix, you get a well-rounded workout that burns calories can help you shed unwanted pounds.  It keeps you in the present Relaxing can be challenging with busy schedules, but walking yoga brings your attention to the present moment. “This happens as we focus our attention on the breath and sensations in the body,” says Khanyi Tshabalala, founder and CEO of Seize the Light Foundation. “While engaging in walking yoga, you intentionally become aware of the physical sensation of walking, the environment around you and your breath.” It boosts your energy Ory explains that a brisk walking yoga practice, like traditional asana, can revitalize your energy, help move stagnant emotions (for example, feeling stuck or ruminating about something negative) and boost circulation.  How to practice walking yoga Walking yoga is easy to incorporate into your daily life, whether you need a five-minute reset or a fully immersive experience in nature. It’s about creating mindful movement and finding what works for you rather than sticking to rigid rules. Here, Tshabalala shares her best tips for getting started:  Focus on your breathing. As you start walking (ideally outdoors in nature, if you can) observe your inhales and exhales. Deepen each inhale and exhale, consciously breathing in and out for about five counts each. Bring awareness to your feet. Ground them into the earth and visualize each toe and the soles of your feet connecting to the earth with each step you take. Observe your surroundings. While walking, observe your surroundings (like leafy green trees gently swaying in the breeze) to bring awareness to the present moment. Notice what you can see and how you feel. Do not label any emotion as good or bad—just acknowledge your feelings and let them pass. Pause for a pose: If you’re up for it, find a comfortable space to pause your walk and try mountain pose, tree pose, warrior pose or other standing yoga poses/stretches for a few minutes before resuming. Become more present. This presence will allow you to experience the walk—and your life—more deeply and authentically. Walking yoga tips  It’s important to keep in mind that the practice of walking yoga will vary depending on your health goals. But with any movement, you should prioritize doing it three to five days a week, working your way up to about 40 minutes a day. However, McClure says to listen to your body. “Some weeks you may need less and some you may need more, but prioritizing time to move is the most important part.” McClure’s advice: Be prepared. “Make sure you have a long and easy path on the eyes, give yourself enough time, wear comfortable clothes that are weather-appropriate and remember to go easy on yourself, especially when trying something new.”  This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan. Source link

[tameblog]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[alexha2210]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[angusstory]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[tumibaba]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[romaleen]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[monaleen101]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[iamownerofme]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[shelyold]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[iammeandmy]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link

[januishstory]

The magic of gardening is heightened tenfold when you bring your neighbors and friends into the mix. That's exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea. While it's a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging. If you're ready to dig in, here what two collective gardening experts recommend when it comes to starting and cultivating a garden within your very own community. Meet the Expert Malcom Evans is the director of farming at Urban Growers Collective and has decades of experience in farming, starting when he was 10. Manny Barra is a master gardener at TeachMe.To and the community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. What Is a Community Garden? A community garden is a shared space where members of a city, neighborhood, school, or other community can garden, harvest, and spend time. It's also a great opportunity if you don't have space for a garden, as it provides opportunities for you and the people around you; it gives everyone a chance to help out, learn gardening best practices, and reap the rewards of what they grow. "There are many benefits to having a community garden," says farming expert Malcolm Evans. "It can be therapeutic and can bring you closer to nature, it can bring healthy organic food to the community, and it can also bring the community together and become a place for the youth to learn." There are different types of community gardens. One variation is a communal garden where all participants help out in different areas and the veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs grown can be evenly shared among everyone. Another popular format is an allotment-style garden. The wider area is open to the community, but each person gets their own plot to grow and harvest what they'd like. The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Start a Community Garden lostinbids / Getty Images If community organization and gardening energize you, these are the steps you should take to start a community garden, according to the experts. Engage Your Community The first step is getting the attention of your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. "Starting a community garden is like organizing a neighborhood potluck, but instead of casseroles, everyone brings a shovel," says Manny Barra, the Oakland community garden coordinator. "First, gather a group of people who are interested in growing their own food or just want to be involved. The more hands, the lighter the work." You can get the attention and involvement of the people living around you in plenty of different ways. "Hang signs and fliers, canvas the community and have people sign a petition, have a friend tell a friend who tells another friend, or host a community welcome event at the garden site to get everyone engaged," says Evans. He also points out that's it's important to build a relationship with not only your community, but local officials, too. This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you. Find Available Land and Resources Once people have signaled their interest, it's time to find the space. Check if there's an existing garden already in your community, otherwise you'll need to look for a location. "Know what you want to grow and what the community needs and wants, make sure to research the products that you want to grow and choose what will work best for everyone," Evans says. Resources are also important to consider. Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight. Tool storage and spots for composting are also important. He says to consider the following questions as well: Will the garden be divided into individual plots, or will it be a shared space? Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled? "Most importantly, do not go it alone—don’t lose the 'community' in community gardening!"— Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective. Follow Necessary Legislation and Secure Funding Before you can start digging into the soil, it's important you check all the boxes when it comes to local laws and safety. "Legally, check zoning laws and make sure you have permission to use the land," says Barra. "Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents." Don't forget the money aspect either. It's not the most fun part, sure, but it's extremely important for getting your garden up and running. "Grants, membership fees, local business sponsorships, and community fundraisers can all help cover costs," Barra says. "Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement." Think about where you'll get your tools and supplies. You may be able to find free plants and seeds or crowdsource and see what your community already has on hand in terms of seed catalogs and gardening tools. Plan Out Your Garden When you're starting a garden from scratch, there's a lot to think about. Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier. Start by deciding whether you want to take an allotment approach or a communal one, as that will help you divide up the space and assign responsibilities. Then you can move onto the gardening areas. "Planning a garden layout is like designing a tiny city where vegetables are the residents," says Barra. "Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the most sun-loving plants there. Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil. When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil type." Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans. This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along. "The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be."— Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland. Start Planting Congratulations on starting your community garden! Now the fun really begins. Here are some plants and considerations our experts recommend: Easy-to-grow plants for beginners: Consider tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes. Companion plants: Barra says these can help keep pests away and boost plant health. Choose ideal companions based on the plants you grow. Perennial flowers: These are perfect because they grow back annually. Veggies: Try greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and onions. Structures: Trellises, vertical gardens, and compost piles or bins. Special touches: Think about pollinator-friendly flower patches, community herb gardens, and peaceful sitting areas. Tips to Keep Your Community Involved and Inclusive Spitzt-Foto / Getty Images Your community garden should be a space for beginner gardeners and enthusiastic experts alike and it should be as inclusive as possible. Here are some tips for doing exactly that: Ensure the garden is physically accessible. Wide pathways, raised beds, and benches are all recommendations from Barra to make your garden physically more inclusive. Make it a safe place. "A lot of people don’t realize that a community garden can be a safe place to hang out and stay out of trouble," says Evans. Make sure there are events happening and it's a place where people want to spend time and connect with others. Organize events. Create opportunities for more experienced gardeners to share their knowledge, especially when it comes to best practices, self-sufficient gardening, and identifying plants. Barra says pairing people up with mentors can be a wonderful option, too. Consider language barriers. To ensure everyone feels welcome, Barra says to create signage in different languages commonly found in your area and provide translated materials, like instruction manuals, in these languages as well. Choose the right crops. "Make sure the crops reflect the cultures of the people involved so everyone feels represented in what’s growing," says Barra. Create kid-friendly spaces. Don't forget about the little ones—designate areas for digging, exploring, and learning specifically for the kids in your community. Keep relationships strong. Evans says it's important to keep relationships and lines of communication open with your community, partners, and officials alike. Source link