Urban Gardening
Bill Maynard works for the City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation Community Garden Program. He is also Vice-president of the American Community Garden Association and the founder of SACGC (Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition). We spoke with Bill on the growing trend of urban agriculture and the role that community gardens play in that trend.
Urban agriculture is growing in popularity for many reasons – it’s organic, healthy, green, saves money, vine ripened fresh, lowers your carbon footprint by growing locally, its fun… and it tastes better too!
So how do I garden in an urban environment without much space?
Start a community garden!
What exactly is a Community Garden?
Any piece of land gardened by a group of people.
The ACGA (American Community Garden Association) has a broad definition of what a community garden entails. It can be urban, suburban, or rural. It can grow flowers, vegetables or community. It can be one community plot, or it can be many individual plots. It can be at a school, hospital, or in a neighborhood. It can also be a series of plots dedicated to "urban agriculture" where the produce is grown for a market.
Benefits of Community Gardens:
- Improves the quality of life for people in the garden
- Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development
- Stimulates Social Interaction
- Encourages Self-Reliance
- Beautifies Neighborhoods
- Produces Nutritious Food
- Reduces Family Food Budgets
- Conserves Resources
- Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education
- Reduces Crime
- Preserves Green Space
- Creates income opportunities and economic development
- Reduces city heat from streets and parking lots
- Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections
What is the Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition?
The SACGC is a grassroots group made up of Sacramento and surrounding area Community Gardeners, Community Volunteers, School Garden participants, and Master Gardeners united by a common cause: to bring more Community and School Gardens to the Sacramento Area and surrounding area (within a 100 mile radius).
Mission: to serve as a network for groups and individuals dedicated to Promoting, Creating and Preserving Community Gardens / Urban Agriculture in the Sacramento Area by providing Resources, Information, Education and Advocacy that fosters Health, Nutrition, and Community.
Promoting Community Gardens: Work with the local City / County agencies, Schools, Parks & Recreation Departments and Developers to find ways to create more Community Gardens.
Preserving Community Gardens: Work in partnership with area groups and concerned individuals to protect and expand Urban Green Spaces.
Resource for Area Community Gardeners: Our group can answer questions on how to start a Community Garden and be a resource of related information and resources (technical support, design, possibly even volunteers). Increase awareness of Urban Agriculture through a variety of educational events and projects. Promote more environmentally friendly gardening and support of organic farmers markets. Inform others about sustainable agriculture and food security issues. Encourage more gardens in schools and public places.
Where can I see some examples of Community Gardens in operation?
While there are several in the greater Sacramento area, a good example of a successful community garden are the Davis Community Gardens, sponsored by the City of Davis Parks and Community Services Department. Located on Fifth Street between L Street and Pole Line Road, it consists of 107 18' by 20' plots which are rented to gardeners on a yearly basis, starting in February.
The annual registration fee is $47, and a refundable cleaning deposit of $25 is required. (Note to reader: in general, the cost for plots can run $25-125 a year depending on the garden and who owns the land and runs the program. City run programs tend to cost less for a plot than private). Although not strictly organic, the use of pesticides is discouraged, and herbicides are not permitted. Water, hoses, wheelbarrows and some tools are provided.
The "garden center" includes a tool shed, picnic table, community herb and flower plots, and a kid's fun plot. Work parties are held monthly during good weather; all garden tenants are expected to help out with maintaining the common areas.
Davis Parks and Community Services' phone number is (530)757-5626.
The garden coordinator may be contacted directly by e-mail at davisgarden@aol.com
Also in the area Sacramento, Carmichael and Fair Oaks parks and recreation districts have a few community gardens, but they do have waiting lists.
How do I start a community garden in my neighborhood?
A great starting point would be the website for the American Community Gardening Association at www.communitygarden.org . Here you’ll find a tremendous number of resources and answers to your questions, advice from other community gardeners around the country and around the world.
Click Here to find a garden in your area
If you would like to speak to someone personally:
If you are in the greater Sacramento area, contact
The Sacramento <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />
(916) 508-6025
http://www.saccommunitygardens.org
email: sacgc@ulink.net
Or feel free to contact Bill Maynard at his office in Sacramento:
916-508-6025
If you live outside of the Sacramento area, please visit the website for the American Community Gardening Association at www.communitygarden.org for contacts in your area. Or call 877-askacga.
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