Should You Join A Community Garden?
If you’ve ever walked past a cheerful little garden tucked into an otherwise busy street and thought, “I wish I could be a part of something like that,” you’re not alone. Community gardens have been popping up all over the place, and they’re about more than just growing vegetables. They offer fresh food, friendships, and a feeling of being part of a community. But they’re not for everyone. So let’s dig into what it’s really like to be part of one, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
Grow What You Might Not Have Space For
One of the best things about a community garden is having a place to grow when your own yard is too shady, too small, or if you have no yard at all. Whether you’re in an apartment or just tired of battling dry soil, a shared garden gives you more room to try your hand at growing your own tomatoes, herbs, or whatever’s in season. You can get all the benefits of a backyard garden, just not in your backyard.
Learn From Other Gardeners
You don’t have to be an expert to join a community garden. In fact, it’s one of the best places to learn as a beginner. There’s usually a mix of experience levels, and someone’s always willing to show you how to prune a pepper plant or give you their trick to fighting off aphids naturally. You’ll hear about what’s working (and what’s not) in real time and have expert gardeners with lots of experience nearby to answer all of your questions. You might even discover a love for gardening you didn’t know you had.
Enjoy the Social Side of Things
Not every trip to the community garden is a social event, but there’s a good chance that you’ll make a few new friends along the way. Whether it’s a quick chat while watering your plot or a full-blown potluck to celebrate the season, community gardens naturally bring people together. You’re probably going to meet folks from all walks of life, who are brought together by a shared love of gardening. If you’ve been feeling a little disconnected, this can be a lovely way to plug back in and make new connections in your community.
Save a Little on Fresh Produce
Growing your own food doesn’t always save money, but when you share space and tools, it certainly can. A few dollars for seeds, soil, and your garden dues can stretch surprisingly far when you know what you’re doing. In fact, herbs alone are worth it. Instead of spending five bucks at the grocery store every time you want fresh basil, you’ll have more than enough growing in a plot down the street. Your community garden might not make you rich, but it sure feels good to bring home dinner that you grew with your own hands.
Give Back to the Neighborhood
Many community gardens have shared rows that grow food for local pantries or neighbors in need. Even if your own harvest isn’t huge, it’s a great way to directly help others in your community. And just having a green space in the middle of a city block can brighten the whole neighborhood. Kids peek through fences. Passersby stop and admire the different plots. You don’t always see the ripple effects, but they’re there. It turns out, gardening together is a great way to grow community.
There’s Some Responsibility Involved
Before you sign up, it’s worth asking yourself how much time you have. Even a small plot needs regular care, which will include some watering, weeding, and harvesting. If you travel a lot or know you tend to forget about things, this might not be the right season for you. Some gardens also ask members to pitch in on shared chores like composting or clean-up days. It’s not a full-time job, but you should know how much commitment you’re signing up for before you join.
Access Isn’t Always Equal
Not every town or neighborhood has a community garden, and some have long waitlists for anyone that wants to join. If you’re lucky enough to live near one, it’s worth reaching out early to try to secure your plot. And make sure that you’re signing up to join the community garden that’s right for you. Some gardens prioritize local residents or low-income families, while others charge fees to help cover water and maintenance. It varies, so don’t be discouraged if your first application doesn’t work out. Community gardens are growing in popularity, so even if there isn’t a plot available now, there might be in the future.
Try It and See How It Feels
At the end of the day, you don’t have to stick with your decision forever. If a spot opens up and you’re curious, give it a try for a season. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s right for you. Some people like to peacefully garden in the mornings, while others love the sense of connection that comes with working on a shared space. Either way, there’s something grounding about planting a seed and watching it grow, especially when you’re doing it with others.
You Don’t Need a Big Yard to Grow Something Good
Community gardens are all about people doing their best with a bit of dirt, a few seeds, and whatever time they can give. If that sounds like something you could use in your life, then yes, it might just be time to join one. You’ll grow more than vegetables. You’ll grow your gardening skills, friendships, and a stronger connection to your community.