March 2010

• Intro
• A National Revival
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A National Revival

Acts of leadership have helped spur a national revival of community gardening. Soon after her spouse’s inauguration, First Lady Michelle Obama planted the first garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden during World War II. Her deed sparked a new wave of interest and earned a commendation of the American Public Gardening Association (www.publicgardens.org).

Earlier in the year, ScottsMiracle-Gro, along with partners including the Garden Writers Association, challenged those who garden to plant an extra row and donate their surplus to local food agencies to feed the hungry. The program--GroGood--also encourages non-gardeners to start a vegetable garden for food independence while helping those in need in their local communities.

So, just how do you go about actually beginning a community garden?

The American Community Gardening Association provides resources on its Web site, www.communitygarden.org. Click on “Starting a community garden,” and you’ll find an entire step-by-step guide.

The National Garden Bureau recommends wise planning in taking full advantage of a community garden area. For instance, the NGA suggests that wide beds—about 3 feet across—are better than rows because you cut down on the number of paths needed, especially important in small gardens. For more, visit www.ngb.org.

Photos provided by The Scotts Company.