So the seed is planted – it only starts with one! – and you are forming a vision for what your garden will be. Now it’s time to start thinking about expanding your crop.

When starting a community garden, it is key to get buy-in. From the very beginning, you are shaping your sustainability plan by ensuring that there is a group of people that are as committed as you are to the garden project. While the Green Thumb Challenge Turn-Key Garden Plan will provide you with steps to build a garden, winning support early on is necessary to building a garden program. If you are unable to generate that kind of enthusiasm for a new garden, then you will almost certainly run into issues and could be looking into a very short-lived project.

If that is the case, it is best to start with a container garden, and/or implement garden-related activities into your program. That will give your community members time to observe firsthand the positive benefits of gardening with children, and perhaps you will win some support in the process!

Here are some other benefits to think about and share with your community:

Youth gardens…

•    Provide hands-on learning opportunities
•    Promote messages of nutrition, health and well-being
•    Foster environmental stewardship
•    Create sanctuaries for wildlife
•    Connect youth with nature
•    Support plans for the greening of existing buildings
•    Create places of calm and beauty

Consider which benefits most align with your goals. Are you aiming to build an outdoor classroom/lab that will directly integrate into an existing curriculum? Do you want to grow an edible garden that focuses on growing (and cooking!) fresh vegetables? Knowing your desired outcomes will help guide you in forming your leadership team!

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