project evaluation and education manual

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An assessment of the 2013 season and the first year of the community garden, the

implications for future development and growth, and an educational guide for the future

collective community gardening in Hannibal, Missouri.

EVALUATION & EDUCATION MANUAL


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EVALUATION & EDUCATION MANUAL

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVESThis manual is a resource guide for community gardening, for volunteers andleaders, and for prospective persons or groups interested in developing more

community gardens. Common Ground Community Garden is the pilot project

for Hannibal Parks & Recreation. The content within the report is informed by

research, personal experience of volunteers, and trial and error for best

practices. The manual is organized into several chapters that touch on all

aspects of community gardening at Common Ground and address the needs of

the garden, the successes and failures, general tips and recommendations, &

the educational opportunities that coincide with the sustainable community

gardening model. Although there is ample information available for gardening,

this guide is customized to accommodate the specific needs of the location and

the Hannibal community. The focus of the manual is on creating and

maintaining a sustainable community garden structure, using education to

encourage outreach, and to provide healthy, organic food alternatives.

Recognizing the potential for this model to expand in the community, the

manual can be used as a foundation for other community gardens in the area.

To fulfill the purpose of this document, the manual is divided into seven

objectives:

1.) Introduction to the Garden

2.) Volunteer Outreach & Education Opportunities

3.) Building & Planting

4.) Maintenance & Sustainable Practices

5.) First-Year Evaluation

6.) Future Challenges

7.) Summary & Recommendation

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The evaluation and

educational manual is the

result of the first year of the

Common Ground

Community Garden and is a

culmination of best practices

and recommendations for

future educational

opportunity and growth in

the Hannibal community.

Feedback from volunteers,

constant research in the

area and an ongoing

assessment all contributes

to this preliminary

evaluation. The final report

is written and produced by

Jessie M. Dryden, social

engineer for Common Sense

for an Uncommon Bond and

garden manager for

Hannibal Parks &

Recreation.


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I. INTRODUCTION TO COMMON GROUND COMMUNITY GARDENpgs. 4-13

A.

Overview .pg. 4

B.

Why Garden?...........................................................................................pg. 5

a. Community Garden Modelspg. 7

C.

What is Common Ground? Mission & Purpose..pg. 8

a. Why Organic Materials?..............................................pg. 9

D.

Program Budget & Deliverables..pg. 10

a. Budget Summarypg. 10

b. Itemized Budget.pg. 11

E.

References..pg. 13

II. BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE VOLUNTEER AT A TIME.pgs. 14-37

A.

How to Works..pg. 15

B. Sample Registration Formpg. 16

C.

Garden & Park Guidelinespg. 20

D. Establishing Clear Lines of Communication..pg. 21

a. Garden Communication Formpg. 22

b. Garden Task Checklist Formpg. 23

c. Volunteer Checklist Form.pg. 24

d. Sign-in Sheet.pg. 25

E.

Conflict Resolutionpg. 26

F. Volunteer Tasks: Lending a Helping Handpg. 28

a. Task Timelinepg. 30

G. Workshops & Education Opportunities..pg. 31

a. Compost Information Cardspg. 32

b. Plant Information Cards for Raised Bedspg. 35

H.

Outreach Strategy.pg. 36

a. Outreach Timeline.pg. 37

III.URBAN GREENING & CREATIVE GARDENING.pgs. 38-54

A.

Reclaim, Recreate, & ReviveFrom Gray to Green.pg. 39

B.

RE-Creativity with Recyclablespg. 43

C.

How to Build a Raised Bed.pg. 45

D.

How to Plant: Cooperating with NatureSquare foot Gardening.pg. 46


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a. Preparing Raised Beds.pg. 46

b. Square Foot Gardening..pg. 47

c. Creative Trellising..pg. 49

E.

Companion Planting..pg. 50

F. When to Grow: Cool vs Warm Season Crops.pg. 52

G.

When to Plant Chart...pg. 53

IV.MAINTAINING & SUSTAINING COMMON GROUND..pgs. 55-72

A.

Maintaining Raised Beds..pg. 57

a. Watering.pg.57

b. Mulching, Weeding, & Pruningpg.59

c. Composting..pg. 63

d. Identifying Problemspg. 65

i. Putting the Garden to Bed: Winterizingpg. 67

e. Seed Harvesting.pg. 68f. Seed Packet Definitionspg. 70

g. Harvest Distribution Chart..pg. 71

h. Harvest Tracking Formpg. 72

V. FIRST YEAR EVALUATION (2013)pgs. 73-81

A.

Overviewpg. 73

B.

Methods of Evaluation..pg. 78

C. Sample Volunteer Evaluationpg. 79

VI.FUTURE CHALLENGES CGCG 2014 & BEYOND...pg. 82

VII.SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS..pg. 83-84

A.

Recommendations..pg. 84

Appendixpg. 86

Attachments: Composting & Organic Gardening Curriculum, Plant Information Cards

Referencespg. 87


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Community gardens are becoming more and more popular as the need to grow food

local is revived. As way to honor Victory Gardens in the 1940s, Common Ground

Community Garden (CGCG) recognizes the importance of honoring the tradition,

merging Hannibals historical agrarian lifestyle with modern permaculture and organic

gardening methods. There are many reasons why community gardens are a modern

trend. Instead of focusing on being a part of the trend, CGCG leads by example and

encourages a change in lifestylewith the hope of re-creating a more sustainable

Hannibal. This collective community garden is uniquely customized to accommodate

the needs of the community of Hannibal, the local ecological environment specified toNortheast Missouri, and adapted to the space available.

The Hannibal Department of Parks & Recreation had received grant funds from

Hannibal Clinic Health Services and General Mills allocated specifically for this type of

endeavor but after several unsuccessful attempts to launch a garden project, the idea

for a community garden had remained just a good idea. With the procurement of

approximately 42 flood buyout properties and the seed money available for a

community garden, it seemed that it was time to get growing. And thats exactly what

inspired Jessie Dryden, Social Engineer with Common Sense for an Uncommon Bond,to take immediate action. With these resources available, CGCG planted a seed on the

corner of a vacant lot in an industrial area of Hannibaltransforming the blank slate

gravel lot into a functional and colorful work of edible art.

The 2013 growing season was the first year for the garden and development of the

garden plan began in January. From January April, the plan was developed by

Common Sense for an Uncommon Bond in partnership with Hannibal Department of

Parks & Recreation. The plan proposed the objectives of the garden and the means for

achieving those objectives which are outlined below. The lot, located at the corner of8thand Warren Barrett Dr., is part of the flood buyout properties. From late April thru

October, the lot underwent continuous development beginning with constructing the

garden, cultivating the landscape, planting the garden, and creating a unique public

space defined by the wattle fence.

REcreation PLY


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There are many factors that contribute to the rising need for community gardens. And,

those who volunteer participate for a variety of reasons. Some come to grow their own

food, others for exercise, and yet some come to be a part of the community. Regardless

of what motivates volunteers, the benefits of gardening and the intrinsic value of

learning how to grow food, is relatively incalculable.

While community gardens are being revived in urban and rural areas, they are not a

modern convention. There is a clear pattern in the growth of community gardens as

they tend to emerge in full force during times of war and economic crisis. Since the

1890s,community gardens have been vital part of local food production. Gardens

began in Detroit as a way to provide land and technical assistance to unemployed

workers in large cities and to teach civics and good work habits to youth (McElvey, pg.

6). During WWI, the government used community gardens to bolster local food

supplies and even incorporated agricultural into public education curriculum.

Community gardens thrived during the Great Depression with approximately 23

million households participating in community garden programs (McElvey). And again,

when Uncle Sam called for support, community gardens responded. In 1943, 44

percent of all the vegetables eaten in the US were produced in home Victory Gardens

and 20 million American families worked in gardens, in addition to the one-fifth of the

population living on farms. Americans fed themselves and were proud of their ability to

meet their own needs (Astyk & Newton, 2013). When social capital fled inner cities inthe 1970s, when cities like Detroit became ghost towns, community gardens again

responded to fill in the gaps not only to beautify neglected parcels but to begin

rebuilding our sense of collective identity as members of a community.

Over the course of this history, community gardens have been the go-to response in

times of crisis. In 2013, gardens are as needed as they ever were as the nations

economic climate increases food insecurity. This climate is different from the past as

the knowledge of food production has frittered away over the years as communities

become more dependent on food megastores than local farms for nutritional needs.This insecurity is related to food access, physical, psychological, and communal health,

climate change, and socioeconomic systems that favor some and marginalize others.

The community garden movement, although gaining momentum in urban areas, is slow

to start in rural communities. For this reason, CGCG is a product of meeting the basics

needs of the Hannibal community in hopes that the garden can increase access to

healthy foods, physical activity, and rebuild community based on the knowledge of


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Healing Gardens All gardens are therapeutic

in their own way but healing gardens can take

two forms: 1.) Herbal & homeopathic remedies

and 2.) Therapy for patients in hospitals &

nursing homes.

Youth Gardens

expose a new generation to

food production & agriculture. Youth-led

community gardens are either sponsored by

schools, an existing organization, or a

collective of youth organizations with similar

objectivesto nurture healthy eating habits

while skill-building. Some use the gardens as

outdoor classrooms discussing not only thebenefits of growing food but the advantages of

gardens for experiential learning for a variety

of subject areas.

Cultural or Native Plant Gardensgrow food

specific to the geographical location

Entrepreneurial/Skill-Building Gardensare

established to teach job-skills and to train

participants to grow and sell their produce.Typically, these gardens focus on the business

side of growing.

Demonstration Gardens

merge a variety of

gardening strategies into one garden to

illustrate the different techniques used for

growing.

*Adapted from Community Garden ToolkitMU Extension

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/downloads/20532.pdf

& From Neglected Parcels to Community Gardens

http://wasatchgardens.org/files/images/FromNeglectedPar

celsToCommunityGardens.PDF

Community Garden Models

Rental Gardens

are most common and standard

among urban communities is the rental,

individual plot garden in which the garden issubdivided and maintained by individuals or

families. CGCG wanted to divert from this

garden model for several reasons. First, the

CGCG lot is one of the flood buyout properties

and there are certain restrictions that apply to

developing the space. The primary problem is

that permanent fencing, and structures in

general, are prohibited. Without fencing the lot

is less secure than most enclosed, lock-and-keycommunity gardens. Another issue with rentals

is that there is a higher chance for unnecessary

conflict among volunteers (i.e. individuals

accusing others of stealing produce or of

sabotaging plants). Lastly, rental plots

encourage individuals to garden as individuals

instead of promoting teamwork.

Collective/Communal Gardens CommonGround Community Garden uses the collective

gardening model for their program. This model

fosters an environment grounded in teamwork

in which each person volunteers for a particular

task and reaps the benefits of harvest from the

garden as a whole. Produce is then distributed

among participants and at times, donated to

local food pantry. This particular strategy works

well for the location of the garden site.

Food Pantry Gardensare used to stock food

pantries for organizations & food banks. They

are typically maintained by volunteers and all

produce is donated.
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/downloads/20532.pdfhttp://wasatchgardens.org/files/images/FromNeglectedParcelsToCommunityGardens.PDFhttp://wasatchgardens.org/files/images/FromNeglectedParcelsToCommunityGardens.PDFhttp://wasatchgardens.org/files/images/FromNeglectedParcelsToCommunityGardens.PDFhttp://wasatchgardens.org/files/images/FromNeglectedParcelsToCommunityGardens.PDFhttp://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/downloads/20532.pdf


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There are many reasons why CGCG exists; however, the primary reason is to buildcommunity members capacity to grow and cook healthy, affordable food & foster a

stronger sense of community through the creation of green, communal spaces.

For this reason, CGCG is a garden training center that offers an alternative to grocerystore produce showing volunteers that growing your own food is not only the healthieralternative but it is also the economically efficient choice. The goal of the garden is tocreate a more sustainable Hannibal through building community and growing food.We believe that education is the foundation for sustainable practices. Participation issimple, just volunteer your time and you are rewarded with produce.

To provide common ground for ALL people of Hannibal to not only plantseeds and watch them grow but to educate, encourage, and nurture a strongsense of community through creating green, communal spaces.

Common Ground: A space where fresh organic food vegetables,herbs, fruit and flowers can be grown and harvested locally so that thepeople of Hannibal can have a space to grow food and harvest thefruits of their labor.

Common Sense:To share gardening knowledge with the people ofHannibal in order to form a more sustainable community including:organic gardening methods, waste reduction & composting, andharvesting & canning.

Common Bond:A garden built by the community for the community.To provide a place for social interaction, physical exercise, nutritiousorganic produce and a sense of well being. A garden that welcomes allpeople to gather in communitydiverse in age, background, andabilityto form relationships as friends and as neighbors, and to

foster common bonds, nurturing a sense of common unity.

Let this garden be the first of many in the comm unity that feeds,

sustains, and enriches the community of Hannibal.


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Why Common Ground uses Organic Gardening Methods

There are many reasons why growing organically is a modern trendnogenetic modification of produce (no GMOs) and no chemicals that are

hazardous to your health and to the environment. But the key reason whyorganic vegetable gardening is so important is the fact that the crops

harvested have 50% more nutrients and vitamins compared to thoseproduced by conventional methods. Eating these tasty vegetables can helpof people suffering from a number of diseases such as heart disease, highblood pressure and diabetes.

You can buy organic-grown vegetables at your local grocery store. The sadpart is that is many cases, these are only around 60% organically sourced.This is why, if you want to eat 100% organically grown vegetables, it is bestto grow them yourself. Although CGCG cannot always control how we getthe plantsfor instance, some plants are donated and treated withchemicals prior to being planted in the gardenwe can control how each

plant is maintained. As the garden grows and we begin to practice moresustainable gardening strategies, we will harvest our own seeds and plantour own starts for each season. With time and the constant introduction oforganic matter, CGCG will be 100% organic.

Organic vegetable are surely very important for many reasons. If you valueyour good health and that of your family, you will surely want to give themthe best food that you can. Add to that the very real money savings (for every$1 spent yield $8 in return) and the satisfaction of having your very ownbeautiful organic garden, and you can see why more and more people get

active and get growing.

For more information Contact:

COMMON GROUND COMMUNITY GARDEN322 S. 8TH ST. HANNIBAL, MO 63401

(8TH & WARREN BARRET T DR. ACROSS FROM RECYCLING DROPOFF &

STREET DEPT)

HANNIBAL PARKS & RECREATIONPHONE: (573)221-0154 OR CONTACTJESSIE DRYDEN AT (720)560-1122

E-MAIL: [email protected]

HTTP S : //WWW. FA CEBOOK . COM/COMMONGROUNDCOMMUN ITYGARDEN ?REF=HL
mailto:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/CommonGroundCommunityGarden?ref=hlhttps://www.facebook.com/CommonGroundCommunityGarden?ref=hlmailto:[email protected]


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The primary objective of CGCG regarding program expenditures is to functionindependently from grant money. The logic for this is three-fold: 1.) to limitexpenses by recycling materials, 2.) to encourage community members toparticipate by in-kind donation, 3.) to illustrate creativity through sustainability

working with the materials that were donated. For the most part, the 2013 yearrelied on grant money to procure materials that were one-time purchases. Thesematerials include, but are not limited to the shed, waterline, gravel, garden tools,soil, and manure. The bulk of the raised bed construction costs were offset bydonations of heat-treated pallets, which made for a tremendous savings inexpenditures. Moving forward in for the 2014 growing season, the reliance on saidfunds will be minimized and used to fill in the gaps. By building rain catchingsystems, CGCG can reduce the amount spent on water. By generating our owncompost, CGCG reduces the reliance on store-bought manure. The next few tablesoffer a summarized and itemized breakdown in expenses for the 2013 season.

Summarized Expenses

Shed, Paint supplies $1,769.87 $0 $1,769.87

Lumber, Screws, Nails,

Landscaping Mesh, Staples,Staple guns, used HT Pallets

(48), etc. $4,427.11 $3,999.51 $427.60

Seeds, Plants, Soil, Manure,Tools, Gloves $2,194.22 $147.50 $2,046.72

Waterline Materials $297.50 $0 $297.50

Gravel, Bricks $1,118.83 $350.00 $768.83

Picnic Table, Benches $742.00 $742.00 $0

Water, Sewer, Electric (June -September) $261.40 $0 $261.40

TOTAL $10,810.93 $5,239.01 $5,571.92


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It was the objective of the initial year to use the grant money moderately, relying

primarily on recycled materials and in-kind donations. After some analysis, the in-

kind donations totally $5239.01 which is a conservative estimate and does not

reflect the significant contributions made by community members and only

calculates a fraction of their monetary value. In response to the goal of CGCG to be

sustainable, if this pattern of donations continues then the need for money andgrant funds will be minimal. It is estimated that the actual cost of plants for the

2014 growing season will be, at minimum $500 and the maximum at $1000. For a

garden of this size, this is tremendous. Furthermore, the purchases from the 2013

season that were not used during the seasonal harvest will be used for the 2014

year. Also, growing from seed instead of purchasing plants will continue to save

money for the garden.

Below is a more detailed expense report that has been used to generate a

projected budget for the 2014 season.

Itemized Expenses

5/1/2013Central Stone

CompanyGravel for Community Garden Site $ 600.27

5/1/2013Central Stone

CompanyGravel for Community Garden Site $ 68.56

5/13/2013 Farm & Home Plumbing supplies for water line and rakes $ 33.24

5/13/2013 Central StoneCompany

Gravel for Community Garden Site $ 100.00

5/13/2013 Lowe's Bottled water and gloves $ 91.74

5/16/2013 Hannibal Homestore Wood $ 10.40

5/17/2013 Farm & Home Manure and seeds $ 115.34

5/17/2013 Farm & Home Top Soil $ 77.35

5/17/2013 Farm & Home Bottled Water for planting event $ 10.47

5/22/2013 Jessie DrydenReimbursement for various supplies she

purchased$ 143.89

6/1/2013Riback Supply

CompanyPlumbing supplies to run water line for

garden site $ 186.31

6/4/2013 Farm & HomePlants, pots, gloves, stakes, landscape fabric,

and tomato cages$ 171.54

6/4/2013 Farm & HomeLumber, Plant supports, plant food, and

plants$ 129.15

6/7/2013 Lowe's Plant Food $ 32.94

6/11/2013 Wal-MartPlants, pruners, painters pen, and spray

bottles$ 102.36


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6/13/2013 BPW Water Usage $ 12.84

6/13/2013 BPW Sewer $ 8.04

6/13/2013 Lowe's Staple gun, staples, and landscape fabric $ 109.24

6/13/2013 Lowe's Landscape Fabric $ 39.92

6/13/2013 Lowe's Manure $ 35.64

6/13/2013 Lowe's Trowel, shovel, cultivator, manure, and topsoil

$ 174.60

6/13/2013 Sutherlands Plants $ 234.46

6/13/2013 Lowe's Manure and top soil $ 193.05

6/14/2013 Schrock's Woodshop Shed $ 1,634.00

6/19/2013 Wal-Mart Cork board and chalkboard paint $ 31.91

6/21/2013 Farm & HomeHinges, plant food, padlock, suet, rakes,

shovel, hoes, and wheelbarrow$ 166.00

7/8/2013 Farm & Home Hoses and nozzle set $ 77.95

7/11/2013 Hannibal Homestore Paint $ 103.967/12/2013 Farm & Home Bone Meal $ 17.92

7/16/2013 BPW Water Usage $ 25.78

7/16/2013 BPW Sewer $ 23.68

7/25/2013 Wal-Mart Various community garden supplies $ 112.92

8/1/2013 Wal-Mart Various community garden supplies $ 124.51

8/3/2013 Wal-Mart Water for Recreation Event $ 9.96

8/9/2013 Lowe's Various community garden supplies $ 252.34

8/19/2013 BPW Water Usage $ 32.60

8/19/2013 BPW Electricity Usage $ 25.66

8/19/2013 BPW Sewer $ 32.14

9/13/2013 BPW Water Usage $ 36.97

9/13/2013 BPW Electricity Usage $ 26.14

9/13/2013 BPW Sewer $ 37.55

9/26/2013 Farm & Home Various community garden supplies $ 106.60

10/11/2013 Hannibal Homestore Black Plastic $ 11.98

Total $ 5,571.92


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References

1.) From Neglected Parcels to Community Gardens: A Handbook. Brian Emerson with Ginger Ogilvie,

Celia Bell, Don Anderson, Agnes Chiao and Rob Ferris. Wasatch Community Gardens;

wasatchgardens.org/gardenresources.html

2.) Starting a Community Garden, American Community Garden Association,http://www.communitygarden.org/pubs/starting.html

3.) Community Garden Start-up Guide, University of California Cooperative Extension in Los Angeles,

http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/garden/articles/startup_guide.html

4.) U.S. Department of Agriculture (2011). Food Security in the United States: Key Statistics and

Graphics. USDA, Economic Research Service. Retrieved from

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodSecurity/stats_graphs.htm.

5.) Hill, H. (2008). Food miles: Background and marketing. NCAT publication, Retrieved from

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/foodmiles.pdf

6.) Community Garden Connections. Education Manual.Antioch University, Retrieved from

http://www.antiochne.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/CGC-Education-Manual-Final.pdf

7.) Evaluation of Community Gardens. (1998). Jill Florence Lackey & Associates. University ofWisconsin Cooperative Extensions. Retrieved from

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/pdf/comgardens.PDF.

8.) Nation of Farmers. Astyk & Newton, 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.utne.com/environment/a-

nation-of-farmers-ze0z1304zcalt.aspx?PageId=4#ArticleContent
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/pdf/comgardens.PDFhttp://www.utne.com/environment/a-nation-of-farmers-ze0z1304zcalt.aspx?PageId=4#ArticleContenthttp://www.utne.com/environment/a-nation-of-farmers-ze0z1304zcalt.aspx?PageId=4#ArticleContenthttp://www.utne.com/environment/a-nation-of-farmers-ze0z1304zcalt.aspx?PageId=4#ArticleContenthttp://www.utne.com/environment/a-nation-of-farmers-ze0z1304zcalt.aspx?PageId=4#ArticleContenthttp://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/pdf/comgardens.PDF


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Common Ground Community Garden is a volunteer led project and rests upon the

helping hands of community members. The 2013 season, the first season of the garden,had noticeable steady growth among participation. An estimated 57 people

volunteered throughout the season, with around 10 core members dedicated to

maintaining the space.


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One of the many beautiful components of the community is the eclectic mix of

individuals that create a healthy and balanced group of volunteers. Throughout the

2013 growing season CGCG had a myriad of people participate bringing with them a

wide variety of knowledge and skills contributed significantly to the success of the first

year. From skilled carpenters to master gardeners, retirees and children, individuals

and families alikethe diverse group only strengthened the pilot program. The gardenacted as a place where avid gardeners could teach those with little to no gardening

experience, a place to socialize with a variety of community members, while giving

people the space to transmit skills and values of a valuable cultural heritage and

agrarian way of life to a younger generation.

Initially, the open invitation for volunteers was structured and the volunteers were

required to commit to at least 4 hours a month in exchange for produce from the

garden. This seemed to deter some prospective volunteers who could not commit.

Therefore, the volunteer requirement was altered to accommodate those members.

Instead of dedicating 4 hours, CGCG offered produce to anyone willing to volunteer

time at the gardenbut each volunteer had to work for produce.

Each volunteer must complete a registration form

All volunteers are required to attend orientation & training.

Volunteers must notify the garden manager when they plan on

volunteering either by signing up for weekly tasks in advance or by

contacting manager at least 1 day prior to volunteering

Volunteers need to check the communication board prior to

performing any garden tasks.

Sign-in and Sign-out each time they volunteer

Participate in monthly potluck meetings*

Provide feedback to Garden Manager


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All volunteers must complete a one-hour training session before working in the garden. Training sessions will

be held on an as needed basis, at least once per month during the growing season.

In order to share in the harvest from our garden, you must sign a Commitment Form, and commit to working a

minimum of four (4) hours in the garden over a four week period. You are responsible for documenting thetime you have worked on the sign-in sheet located at the garden. After the first two hours of work, you

can pick up in-season produce on a designated harvest day. For more information on becoming a Volunteer

Coordinator or Community Advisory Board Member, contact Jessie Dryden ([email protected]

720-560-1122).

Garden Work: Monday thru Saturday: 8-11 am and 5-8 pm

Harvesting: Mon, Wed, Fri evenings 5-8pm (seasonal, May-October)

Harvest distribution*: Saturdays 9-11am (seasonal, May-October)

*The Common Ground Community Garden harvest will be distributed equally among members who

have worked a minimum of 4 hours in the past 4 weeks, or who have worked 2 hours and

committed to 2 more hours of work. Please let us know if you would like to harvest the vegetables

you take. Any excess harvest will be sold to benefit the garden or distributed to a local food pantry.

**Please mark all the times you are normally available to help in the garden. **

This is your availability only- you do not have to commit to working at all these times.

Name: _________________________________________________

Morning (8am -11am) Afternoon (1-4pm) Evening (4-7pm)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Preferred Commitment (Example: 3 hours per week, 3 weeks for month, 6 months per year)

Hours per week: ______________________

Hours per month: ______________________

Months per year: ______________________
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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I, __________________________________________________________, commit to working in our Common Ground

Community Garden for at least four hours over the next four weeks. I will adhere to the Garden Rules,

and will take care that my actions in the garden are always for the benefit of the community.

I understand that I am responsible for documenting the time I have worked on the sign-in sheet

located at the garden.

Garden Training date: (Month/Day/Year) ______/________/___________

First four week period start date: (Month/Day/Year) ______/________/___________

First four week period end date: (Month/Day/Year) ______/________/___________

Additional time committed:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Additional skills you would like to share:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Specific interests in gardening, workshops you would like to attend or present; other information youwould like to share about yourself:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are an experienced gardener, would you be willing to help a new gardener? ____YES ____ NO

If you are a new gardener, would you like help from an experienced gardener? ____ YES ____NO


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HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

Hannibal Department of Parks & Recreation & Common Ground Community Garden

We, ___________________________________________________, agree to protect, indemnify, save and keep harmless theCity of Hannibal and Hannibal Parks and Recreation against and from any and all loss, cost damage or

expense arising out of or from any accident or other occurrence on or about the Common Ground

Community Garden site causing injury to any person or property, including injury to ourselves, and will

protect, indemnify and save and keep harmless the above mentioned parties from any and all claims, costs

or expense arising out of our use of the site, and comply with and perform all the requirements and

provisions agreed to and required by the Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department during use of the

Common Ground Community Garden site.

We also agree not to allow entrance to the site or use of the site by anyone who has not previously been

authorized entrance or use of the site, and who has not previously agreed to protect, indemnify, save and

keep harmless the City of Hannibal, and whose signatures do not appear on this agreement.

We also agree to pay for any damages to the site and equipment caused by our use or negligence, excluding

normal wear and tear of the site or equipment.

We also agree to notify the Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department of any damages or hazardous

conditions immediately, and to immediately discontinue use of the site until the condition can be corrected.

__________________________________________________ ________________________

Signature Date


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Adapted from the Community Garden Coalition (cgc.missouri.org) Gardener Guidelines.

The following guidelines have been established by Common Ground

Community Garden. Please read the guidelines and direct any

questions or comments to the garden manager.

All community participants must complete a registration for the garden and participate

in an orientation class.

Monthly meetings and garden parties are held for volunteers. Please plan to attend to

get to know your fellow gardeners. Closely supervise your children; help them learn respect for gardening. Children using

tools in the garden must be under direct and constant supervision of a parent or

responsible adult.

Common Ground is a public space. Respectfully welcome visitors to the garden.

Volunteers will observe the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Organic methods only. NO synthetic chemicals including: pesticides, insecticides,

herbicides, weed killers, or chemical fertilizers. Organic manure provided.

Please dont leave water unattended. When finished, roll up the hose and return all

tools back into the shed and lock it. Pick up litter when you see it and compost any organic matter in the appropriate

compost bin.

Please pick up after your pets if you bring them to the garden.

Use common courtesy and resolve differences in a neighborly way. For problems with

fellow volunteers, remain polite and listen carefully. Usually a solution is always within

reach.

For your safety, only garden in daylight. Consider even working in pairs and keeping a

cell phone.

Report theft, vandalism, and unusual activities to the garden manager, Parks &Recreation, and if needed, the police.

Violation of these guidelines will be addressed by the garden manager. If not resolved, you will

be asked to no longer participate. By respecting these rules & guidelines, everyone is welcome,

comfortable and safe in Hannibals Common Ground Community Garden. Thank you for your

cooperation and support


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Communication for any community garden is tricky and absolutely paramount for a

successful garden. CGCG, through trial and error and feedback from volunteers,

established a few forms to address any barriers in communication and to nurture more

efficient and effective system. It is the responsibility of the garden manager to keep

volunteers up-to-date and to manage tasks and schedules. It is the responsibility of the

volunteers, however, to communicate when they are available to donate their time and

identify which task they will be performing.

Garden Information will be communicated to you in several ways:

Chalkboard: All the tasks for volunteers for each week will be written on the chalk board

on the back of the shed door so that everyone knows who will be working on what task

each week. You can always do more work than what you sign up for, except for watering &

harvesting.

Bulletin Board:

Bulletin board is located on the shed and covered by two white shutters.

There are a few forms for you to complete when gardening. All volunteers are required to

sign-in and sign-out and denote the tasks completed. If watering or harvesting, there is a

special communication form to complete that lets all volunteers know what watering and

harvesting has been done. The third form is a weekly task overview that lists the

opportunities for volunteers that week. You can also list any problems (i.e. noticed pests or

something wrong with plants). You can post information, ideas for the garden, etc on the

bulletin board. Contact information will be posted here to for your convenience.

Calls, text messages, & email:

Make sure you provide a way to contact you especially for

watering and for harvesting. This way if there are any changes we can notify you as soon as

they happen. *Email is most convenient and weekly emails will be sent out. Hard copies of

these emails will be posted onsite on the bulletin board.

Mailbox:

The mailbox is used for any comments, questions, or suggestions that you want

to communicate. You can also drop off evaluations & registration paperwork here. This can

be anonymous if you want to communicate in confidence.

**If you cant fulfill the task you registered for, especially for watering and harvesting

during the week, contactGarden Manager

. Make sure to leave a voicemail or you can

always text message. You can also post a note to the bulletin board. If there are urgent

issues call Garden Manager or Parks & Recreation 573/221-0154.


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Week of____________________________

*Watch out for bean beetles & squash bugs. Squash bugs lay eggs on the back of leaves and attack melon,cucumber, squash, & pumpkin plants.

Weekly To-Do List

1.____________________________ 6. __________________________

2.____________________________ 7. __________________________

3.____________________________ 8. __________________________

4.____________________________ 9. __________________________

5.____________________________ 10. _________________________

Volunteer Comments

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________


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GARDEN TASK CHECKLIST

eek of:____________________________

Sunday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO ex. Watering Jessie

____________ _______________

____________ _______________

Monday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO ____________ _______________

____________ _______________

____________ _______________

Tuesday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO ____________ _______________

____________ _______________

____________ _______________

Wednesday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO ____________ _______________

____________ _______________

____________ _______________

Thursday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO ____________ _______________

____________ _______________

____________ _______________

Friday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO ____________ _______________

____________ _______________

____________ _______________

Saturday Task Completed Completed By

Water? YES NO____________ _______________

____________ _______________

____________ _______________


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Common Ground Community Garden

Volunteer Checklist

Did you.

o Check chalk board & bulletin board for new communication?

o Sign In & track your time?

o Complete Task?

o Put all tools use in the shed & Clean up?

o Sign out?

o Have fun?

Its not recreation; its

RE-Creation

So lets go play outside


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There are many problems that may arise when working with a wide array of

personalities. When conflict occurs especially in a project that relies on people

working together, it is of dire importance that resolution is reached so that the conflict

does not continue to affect volunteers. CGCG has outlined steps for conflict

resolutionfinding Common Ground, so to speak. There were instances in the first

year in which these tactics were implemented and worked and occasions in which

resolution could not be met. Sometimes that happens regardless of how the situation is

handled. As long as the volunteers are informed and are aware of their roles and the

garden manager is equipped to handle conflict, then all that can be done is embrace

and resolve conflict as it arises. Below is a list of best practicesthe focus here is on

preventative measures.

Ways to Prevent Conflict

1.) Effective Communication

-If you dont understand something or something doesnt make

sense, dont be afraid toask why. Also, if you notice that a garden method isnt working, speak up

but also provide ideas for resolutions.

2.) Listening

-Communication doesnt work unless we listen to each other.

3.) Cooperation-goal of garden is always to figure out a way for diverse people in the communityto maintain and sustain a garden together. If nature can work together so can we.

When Conflict Arises

Conflict can be beautiful because it can help people create new ideas together. View conflict as

an opportunity and not a setback.

Step 1:Attempt to directly work out issues with the other party. All involved should listen

carefully and with respect.

Step 2: if you cant resolve it together, ask garden manager for help.

The ability to successfully resolve conflict depends on your ability to:

Manage stress quickly while remaining alert and calm. By staying calm, you can accurately read

and interpret verbal and nonverbal communication.

Control your emotions and behavior.When youre in control of your emotions, you can

communicate your needs without threatening, frightening, or punishing others.


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Pay attention to the feelings being expressed

as well as the spoken words of others.

Be aware of and respectful of differences. By avoiding disrespectful words and actions, you can

almost always resolve a problem faster.

Tips for managing and resolving conflict

Managing and resolving conflict requires the ability to quickly reduce stress and bring youremotions into balance. You can ensure that the process is as positive as possible by sticking to thefollowing guidelines:

Listen for what is felt as well as said.

When we listen we connect more deeply to our own needs

and emotions, and to those of other people. Listening also strengthens us, informs us, and

makes it easier for others to hear us when it's our turn to speak.

Make conflict resolution the priority rather than winning or "being right."

Maintaining and

strengthening the relationship, rather than winning the argument, should always be your first

priority. Be respectful of the other person and his or her viewpoint.

Focus on the present.

If youre holding on to grudges based on past resentments, your ability to

see the reality of the current situation will be impaired. Rather than looking to the past and

assigning blame, focus on what you can do in the here-and-now to solve the problem.

Pick your battles.Conflicts can be draining, so its important to consider whether the issue is

really worthy of your time and energy. Maybe you don't want to surrender a parking space if

youve been circling for 15 minutes, but if there are dozens of empty spots, arguing over a

single space isnt worth it.

Be willing to forgive.

Resolving conflict is impossible if youre unwilling or unable to forgive.

Resolution lies in releasing the urge to punish, which can never compensate for our losses and

only adds to our injury by further depleting and draining our lives.

Know when to let something go.

If you cant come to an agreement, agree to disagree. It takes

two people to keep an argument going. If a conflict is going nowhere, you can choose to

disengage and move on.


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The 2013 year was full of trials and errors given the unfamiliar environment and

considering a multitude of variables. CGCG was able to generate an operative list of

best practices for the garden in hopes of better equipping volunteers to perform day-

to-day tasks. An overview of the implemented methods is provided below.

GARDEN TASKS OVERVIEW

Watering

Watering Duties:

o General Rule of Thumb: Water each plant until there is standing water, most plants need

about an inch of water each week. Each 4x4 raised bed requires approximately 4 gallons of

water per day during summer. 4x8 beds require 8 gallons per day.o planters, herb beds, & marigolds around top of raised beds are watered daily as needed

o water trees 1x per week for the first 3 summers when there is no rain

o flower beds by tree & retaining wall 2-3 times per week as needed

o Refill water bottles for each bed

o WATER RAISED BEDS EVERYDAY AS NEEDED

Water well 1-2 times per week depending on weather, wait 3-5 days after it rains

at least .

If the soil feels dry an inch or so below the surface, its time to water your raised

beds. Depending on how dry it is, test moisture in bed with your finger to make

certain bed doesnt need watering.

Harvesting

Harvesting Duties:

o 3 days a weekMonday, Wednesday, Friday for about 5 people to sign up for each week.

o Distribution will be on Saturday mornings. Wednesday evenings will be added as well for

the time in the season when plants are producing higher yields

Harvesting is a privilege and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity

to harvest. There will be produce that will need to be eaten the day that isharvested. Volunteers who harvest will have the choice of eating it or tossing it in

the green compost bin.

Weeding

Weeding Duties:

*Save weeds and put them in the green compost bin*

o Each raised bed needs weeding


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o Weed and mulch flower bed by retaining wall

o Weed cobblestone and throughout gravel

Pruning

Pruning Duties:

o Pick off dead leaves on plants and flowers; put in bucket and transfer to green compostbin.

o Cultivating beds

Take hand tool and break up the tough crust of the soil so plants can breathe. Once

a month, use Plant Tone (plant food) and work it into the soil.

Landscaping

Landscaping Duties:

o Weeding the perimeter of the property

o Trimming the areao Mowing the lawn

o Finish laying landscaping brick

o Reseeding grass in areas that need it

o Pick up trash on the property and take to dump at the armory

Special Projects

Special Project Duties:

o Construction

Building more raised beds Painting them white

Help build solar dehydrator

o Pest & Diseased Plant Control

Make & use natural insecticides/pesticides/herbicides on plants

o Produce Preservation

Manage the dehydrator once it is constructed,

Canning classesmonitor what is canned or teach

o Teaching Classes

Volunteer to teach gardening, composting, canning, seed harvesting etc.

o Seed harvesting

Store seeds to reuse for next years growing season.

o Help create resource guide for the garden

o Volunteer to be a trainer or to take a lead role in the garden

If you need a task, just ask Theres always something to do in the garden.


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Garden Task Timeline

*adapted from Community Garden Connections, Antioch University Extension

March April & May May-October


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The foundation of Common Ground Community Garden is positioned around a series

of educational opportunities for the community members. This is focal point for

strategy for not only reaching out to volunteers but to keep them volunteering. It also

has a more subliminal agendato increase the knowledge of gardening in the

Hannibal community, to encourage healthier food choices, to nurture social

connections, and to education organic & sustainable alternatives. The 2013 set out to

complete three workshops: organic gardening, composting, & canning; however,

CGCG only fulfilled two of them: organic gardening & composting (sample curriculum inappendix).

Other educational objectives included training volunteers in each gardening task; give

them educational handouts to reference; and to provide information cards for each

raised bed. All of these were completed but not all were implemented during the

season. For the 2014 season, orientation and volunteer training will be pursued moreextensively, information about the garden will be laminated and posted in key

locations, and the information cards describing the type of plant and plant

maintenance will be laminated and hanging from each raised bed to prevent any

maintenance mishaps due to lack of information.

Part of the education objective is to provide a space for people to

practice gardening and composting. Composting, in particular, can

seem overly complicated to a novice but the ecological benefits

outweigh the amount of effort it might take to change our behavior.It was the goal of CGCG to provide a space for people to learn to

compost. We have three compost bins for the components of

composting that are labeled, color coordinated, and have training

information on them: Green for Green Matter; Brown for Brown

Matter; Yellow for Manure (which is also a Green Matter). They are

color coordinated and separate bins so beginners can spatial

recognize the distinct components of compost. Next to these bins are

the actual compost areas that use 3 different compost methods so we

can determine the best method for our environment here innortheast Missouri.


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Compost & Plant Information Cards

(adapted from several composting information guides & referenced in the references)

GreenComposting

Materials

vegetable peelings

fruit peelings

grass clippings

coffee grounds

fresh manure

green plant cuttings

annual weeds

young hedge

trimmings

GREEN MATTER

Greens, the nitrogen source,

are colorful and wet. They

provide nutrients and

moisture for the compost

workforce.

Browns, the carbon source, provide energy,

and are also used for absorbing excess

moisture and giving structural strength to

your pile. They help keep the pile porous,

facilitate air-flow and prevent compaction.

BROWN

MATTER

BrownComposting

Materials

leaves

hay & straw

paper &

cardboard

woody prunings

eggshells

The Green Matter information

card is attached to the green

compost bin. It identifies the

types of materials that can be

discarded in the bin and

provides a brief overview of

materials.

The Brown Matter card is

posted on the brown

compost bin. Members of

the community can dump

browns in this bin to

use in the compost pile.

The card provides a brief

explanation and lists

brown compostingmaterials.


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Don't Add

meat & bones

poultry & fish

fatty food waste

whole eggs

dairy products

human & pet feces

pernicious weeds (plants thatare destructive to other

plants)

treated wood

DO NOT

COMPOST

What Animal Manure to Add:

Cow

Chicken

Horse

Rabbit

Sheep

DO NOT ADD CAT and DOG

MANURE!!

Manure Materials

Manure is considered a

component of green matter

and is an important part of

creating nutrient-rich soil.

Too much can cause the

plants to overheat, so it is

important to keep it separate

and add it into compost as

needed.

There are materials that

cannot be composted the way

brown & green matter can.

They require a more complex

system and should be done by

someone with advanced

composting skills. CGCG

chooses to keep it simple, to

provide a solid foundation for

composting, and give step by

step instructions to assist

volunteers to continue to

grow in their knowledge to

eventually become more

advanced in their abilities.


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Plant Information Cards (Samples)


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It is essential for community members and the neighbors around the garden site to

remain invested in the project. Therefore, outreach is a critical part of creating a

sustainable community garden. Common Ground Community Garden began by

reaching out to local government agencies and was fortunate enough to connect with

the Hannibal Department of Parks & Recreation. This relationship was mutually

beneficialParks & Recreation had financial and material resources while CGCG

provided the human and intellectual capital (through Common Sense for an

Uncommon Bond) to jumpstart the project.

With the initial logistics established, CGCG then created a Community Advisory

Committee for the project composed of community leaders representing individuals &

families, nonprofits, & business. After discussion of strategy, CGCG moved forward

with community outreach separated into three sections: individuals & families, social

clubs, schools, & nonprofit organizations, and government agencies & local businesses.

Individuals & Families:

CGCG is intended for all people in Hannibal and we are committed

to creating an environment that is welcoming and encourages all people to participate. In

order to reach out to individuals & families, the garden itself is set up for people of all

agesfrom children to elderly, from capable to handi-capable. Throughout the season,

we had retired couples and individuals, entire families, and individuals that needed to

fulfill community service. There were several people from the neighborhood that

participatedand several that donated materials citing that they enjoyed seeing the lot

transformed into something beautiful.

There were several ways CGCG used to reach out into the community: door-to-door

canvassing, flyers, newspaper articles & television interviews, radio, workshop offerings, &

Parks & Recreation newsletters. These seemed to be effective measures that will be

expanded on in the 2014 season.

Social clubs, Schools, & Nonprofit Organizations:

Throughout the season, CGCG spoke

with several organizations: Families & Communities Together, Rotary Club, Lions Club,

Hannibal Womens Club, Hannibal Gardening Club, and The Desperate Gardeners Club.

Also CGCG inspired Eugene Field Elementary to grow their own garden using recycled

materials. CGCG also acted as an outdoor classroom for homeschooled students.

Local Businesses: CGCG, through media outreach and general word-of-mouth received

material donations from BASF, Hannibal Homestore, & Miller Distributing.


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Rising social awareness in urban cities related to thedecline in public open space has caused many scholars andcommunity groups to reevaluate the urban planningof concrete jungles. Cities that were once savannahshave now been paved over by rock and asphalt, stripping the urban environment ofits natural ecologyreplacing vibrant greenspace with a dull and neutralizing gray.Population density in cities is a contributing factor to this movement, as the need toreplace single-family homes with multiple family high-rises outweighs toaccommodate urban growth outweighs the need for public greenspace (Byrne &Sipe, 2010).

Although rural communities, like Hannibal, Missouri, have seen a steady decline inpopulation over the last ten years, the need to create green public open spacesremains the same. Surrounded by farmland, the urban expansion of Hannibal to thewest and north of town threatens the open space, as this land is replaced by newhomes and corporate businesses. This expansion is also creates movement awayfrom the Mississippi River and the historical downtown district. But these changes inlandscape only challenge the Department of Parks & Recreation to be morecreative with the approaches to preserve greenspace within city limits.

Greenspaces are not only important for the natural environment of cities, but they

play a critical role in making cities more sustainable (Byrne & Sipe, 2010).According to Byrne & Sipe in their study Green and Open Space Planning for UrbanConsolidation (2010), the benefits of urban planning include natures

services/ecological benefits (e.g. preserving biodiversity), social benefits (e.g.socialisation and healthy living) and economic benefits (e.g. tourism). It is theobjective of Common Ground Community Garden to illustrate how these benefitsare translated in a rural environment.

Whereas the previous section discussed the social benefits of urban greening, thissection focuses primarily on the ecological and economical advantages of thecommunity garden project. Located on 322 S. 8thStreet, Common GroundCommunity Garden is deeply rooted in Hannibals industrial district and uniquely

planted in a lower-income area. The lot has been transformed many times over theyears and has been many different businessesnot all environmentally friendly.Therefore, CGCG is composed of a series of raised beds with the intention ofrestoring ecological balance to the lot and bringing in as much nutrient-richorganic matter to purify toxins from the remaining soil for planting in-ground. Thismight seem lofty to some, but to CGCG it just requires a little effort & a lot ofcreativity.


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Reclaim

Common Ground Community Garden started out as an ideato provide a space

where the community can learn to grow their own food, increase access to healthy

food, to connect and socialize, and to provide a beautiful space to learn and buildskills, creating opportunities for empowerment and self-sufficiency through

gardening. This idea was put into practice when CGCG was given a space, known as

lot #25 of the flood buy-outa piece of property that was considered flood plain

without ever experiencing flood water.

The lot itself had been home to various businesses, some in which coal was dumped

making it almost impossible to plant in the ground but has since lay vacant and

neglecteda blemish that many people drove by daily and to some, was the

eyesore in their backyards. Part of the space had been graveled over and becauseof the close proximity to the recycling area and as a result of being a windy

location, covered in trash. But what others would have deemed a hopeless & waste

of space, CGCG saw a blank canvassan opportunity to recreate.


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Recreate

Community gardens are not only considered a way of increasing biodiversity in a

community, but gardens are also a way of beautifying and enhancing urban areas,

of self-expression and reflection, and encourage the idea that gardening can be

fun. That is why the motto of CGCG is Its not recreation; its RE-creation. So lets

go play outside.

The first step in the process of recreating the site is to design a layout for the

garden, to identify parameters, and to begin creating functional uses to maximize

the space provided. This base map provided a foundation for development.

For the first year, CGCG determined that the best method would be to start small,

giving room for growth over the next few years with the hopes that the concept

would not only take root in the community but flourish. The lot size is important fordesigning a layout120 ft x 145 ftwhich gives the garden a lot of room for

growth & further development.

The next step is to determine the materials used for the raised beds. CGCG is

economically conscious and desired to use as many recycled materials as possible to

eliminate the expenses for lumber, which can be quite expensive. The garden was


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fortunate to have the services of an expert carpenter volunteered and after some

consideration, a plan for transforming heat-treated pallets (or skids) was created.

Over the course of a month, around 30 raised beds were developed using recycled

pallets. With a little creativity and some paint, the garden began to take shape.


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Revive

Most cities want to invest in repairing degraded parts of the cities to revitalize

commerce and increase tourism. Revitalize has become the operative politically

correct term for giving life to the economic environment. CGCG chooses to breathe

new life into the community through reviving our sense of collective social identity

through the re-creation of community gardens.

Part of the revival is to take unnatural gray space and add a little natural color.

Not only is this visibly striking but it inspires the community to consider what empty

space could beit gives perspective and stimulates creativity. Not only is CGCG

resourceful with recycled materials, but even the planting of the garden has an

artistic touch.

Common Ground

Community Garden uses

plants as their palette and

encourages creativitywith nature, reclaiming

empty lots, recreating the

space, and reviving the

landscape through

cooperating with nature.


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Part of the fun in building a community garden is in taking junk materials and

transforming them into planters. This is not only economic but it reduces the amount of

garbage thrown into landfills as well as illustrating what anyone can do with just a little

ingenuity.

Common Ground Community Garden used a combination of natural and unnatural

materials to recycle and renovate. From tree trunks to claw foot tubs, some were

donated and some even scavenged from the recycling drop-off across the streetbut

all, nonetheless, were re-created into function works of art. This section is dedicated to

demonstrating the limitless possibilities of creative recycling.

This turn of the century claw foot tub was

rescued from a burnt down house prior to

demolition. It was converted into a flower

planter and it located in the center of the

garden. It was painted with a geometric

design but the smoke stain from the fire

remains intact to give it some personality.

Shoes were used throughout the

summer with Kids in Motion, a local

nonprofit that works with at-risk

youth. They came to the garden for

volunteer work and got their hands

dirty with a little creative planting.

While some took their shoe plantershome, others decided to decorate the

garden with them.


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This was once a shelf in a 100-year-

old brooding house. It was donated

and transformed into a raised bed

for tomatoes & herbs. It is also

located on the brick pathway

making it handicap accessible.

The table and chairs were abandoned on the property. The wood

was weathered and damaged. Instead of using it for seating, we

flipped the table upside down, added sides, and created a

planter. Each chair was converted into a planter as wellkept the

cushions to retain moisture to revent them from dr in out.

After a big storm went through town

thousands of trees were uprooted. To

reuse the materials we converted this tree

stump into a flower & herb planter and

gave it a face just for fun.

Again, we reuse tree branches & trees destroyed by a

storm to create natural fencing for the garden. No

permanent structures are allowed onsite, so using natural

materials allows CGCG to have fencing & still adhere to

overnment uidelines.

WATTLE FENCE


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There is a technique to building raised beds using heat-treated pallets. The process

is simple as long as you practice patience and safety. Some general tips: keep them

3-4 feet in width and no more than 10ft in length. Make height at least 2.5-3ft for

accessibility.

Step One:

Start with a pallet and saw it in half. Make sure you see an HT marked on the pallet so you know it

is heat-treated. As you can see there is a 2x4 runner in the middle. You want to cut so that one

side of the pallet is still connected to the runner.

Step Two:

The half of the pallet that is not

attached to the 2x4 runner needs to

have a 2x4 cut to attach to it. Make

sure to measure as accurately as

possible so that the cut is aligned

and that the sides are flush. Take

another pallet & repeat these steps.

Step Three:

Take the four cut pallet pieces and

step them up in a square. Cut four

2x4 pieces to fit into the edges of

the pallets to reinforce the raised

bed. Once this is done, connect the

four sides and line with

landscaping fabric.


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General Tips

1-2 inches of green matter mixture or greens such as vegetable peelings & other kitchen scraps,

grass, manure, or coffee grounds Next add 1 to 2 inches of brown matter mixture or browns such as leaves, straw, newspaper,

cardboard, sawdust, tea bags or mulch.

Alternate the green and brown material to the top and let settle. Then add more to fill raised bed to

the top.

Finish with soil & manure mixture for planting. Keep in mind that the pile will continue to compost

during the season & more will need to be added to fill each bed.

This method takes about 6 months to a year and will compost during growing season.

After the raised beds are constructed, they are lined with landscaping mesh and

ready to fill. Since the beds are several feet in height, using filler that is normally

tossed aside or in the trash is a perfect way to save money. Instead of filling each

bed to the brim with soil and manure, each raised bed is converted into a compostbinmaking it a no-till, no-dig sustainable & simple gardening method. CGCG was

able to use all of the leaves raked on the lot prior to construction to fill the beds as

well as mulched trees from a storm donated by local tree service companies. The

recycling drop-off across the street from the garden provided easy access for

compostable materials such as cardboard & newspaper. All-in-all, CGCG was able

to minimize soil & manure expenses by maximizing natural, compostable resources.


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(adapted from Community Garden Connections, Antioch university)

Dividing raised beds into square foot sections is the easiest way to play raised beds

at CGCGit helps to determine what goes where, how much space it needs, and

how many can be planted in each bed. This way volunteers can give each plant thecorrect amount of space, maximizing the raised bed and the harvest by giving it

necessary room to grow. Because the raised beds at the garden are 2.5 to 3 feet

high, the beds drain moisture a little faster than being rooted directly in the

ground. For planting purposes, plant more towards the center because the edges

dry out faster. You can also train the plants to grow towards the center by watering

them in the middlethat way the roots grow inwards and may prevent the beds

from drying out so quickly.

Most of the beds at CGCG are 4x4 raised beds although there are a few 4x8s. Belowis an example of how a 4x4ft bed should be divided for planting.

The information card that comes with each plant or that is located on the back ofthe seed packet indicates the amount of space needed for the plant for optimal

growth. Sometimes you can overlook the directions for row spacing, but when

starting out it is important to follow instructions and then make changes based on

the results of trial and error.

1 foot

1 foot


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Plant Spacing:

12 inches = 1 per sq. foot




3ft by 6ft raised bed (taken from CGC Antioch University)


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(adapted from Organicgardening.com

http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/agriculture/publications/companion-

planting.pdf)

Companion planting is an excellent way of creating a garden that not only looks

interesting and beautiful but that is sustainableusing nature to work with nature

to grow a healthy, diverse garden. Plants can work together to be mutual

beneficialfeeding each other nutrients as well as warding often pests. Below are

some examples of the benefits of companion planting.

Companions help each other growTall plants, for example, provide shade for sun-

sensitive shorter plants.

Companions use garden space efficientlyVining plants cover the ground, upright

plants grow up. Two plants in one patch.

Companions prevent pest problemsPlants likeonions repel some pests. Other plants

can lurepests away from more desirable plants.

Companions attract beneficial insectsEvery successful garden needs plants that

attract the predators of pests.

Sample Chart

Compatible Combative Compatible Combative Compatible CombativeAsparagus

BasilBeetsLettuceParsleySpinachTomatoes

Beans

BroccoliCabbageCarrotsCauliflowerCeleryCorn

CucumbersEggplantPeasPotatoesRadishesSquashStrawberriesTomatoes

GarlicOnionsPeppersSunflowers

Beets

AsparagusBroccoliCauliflowerLettuceOnions

MustardPole Beans

Broccoli

BeansBeetsCeleryCucumbersOnions

PotatoesSage

CabbageCauliflowerLettucePole BeansTomatoes

Brussels

SproutsDillLettuceRadishesSageSpinach

Turnips

Tomatoes

Cabbage

BeansCeleryCucumbersDillKale

LettuceOnionsPotatoesSageSpinachThyme

BroccoliCauliflowerStrawberriesTomatoes

Carrots

BeansLettuceOnionsPeas

DillParsley

Cauliflower

BeansBeetsCeleryCucumbers

BroccoliCabbageStrawberriesTomatoes

Celery

BeansBroccoliCabbageCauliflower
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/agriculture/publications/companion-planting.pdfhttp://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/agriculture/publications/companion-planting.pdfhttp://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/agriculture/publications/companion-planting.pdfhttp://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/onions-keepshttp://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/top-ten-garden-insect-pestshttp://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/top-ten-garden-insect-pestshttp://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/onions-keepshttp://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/agriculture/publications/companion-planting.pdfhttp://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/agriculture/publications/companion-planting.pdf


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RadishesRosemarySageTomatoes

SageThyme

LeeksSpinachTomatoes

Corn

BeansCucumbersLettuce

MelonsPeasPotatoesSquashSunflowers

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

BeansBroccoliCabbage

CauliflowerCornLettucePeasRadishesSunflowers

HerbsMelonsPotatoes

Eggplant

BasilBeansLettuce

PeasPotatoesSpinach

Kale

CabbageDillPotatoesRosemarySage

StrawberriesTomatoes

Lettuce

AsparagusBeetsBrusselsCabbageCarrotsCornCucumbers

EggplantOnionsPeasPotatoesRadishesSpinachStrawberriesSunflowersTomatoes

Broccoli

Melons

CornNasturtiumsPeasRadishesSunflowersTomatoes

CucumbersPotatoes

OnionsBeetsBroccoliCabbageCarrotsLettuce

PeppersPotatoesSpinachTomatoes

BeansPeasSage

PeasBeansCarrotsCornCucumbersEggplant

LettuceMelonsParsnipsPotatoesRadishesSpinachTurnips

GarlicOnions

PeppersBasilCorianderOnionsSpinachTomatoes

Beans

Potatoes

BeansBroccoliCabbageCornEggplant

GarlicKaleLettuceOnionsPeasRadishes

CucumbersMelonsSquashSunflowers

TomatoesTurnips

Spinach

AsparagusBrusselsCabbageCeleryDill

EggplantLettuceOnionsPeasPeppersRadishesStrawberriesTomatoes

Tomatoes

AsparagusBasilBeansBorageCarrots

CeleryDillLettuceMelonsOnionsParlseyPeppersRadishesSpinachThyme

BroccoliBrusselsCabbageCauliflower

CornKalePotatoes


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After choosing what to grow in the community garden the next step is determining

when to start growing them. Knowing when to grow your vegetables is critical to a

successful garden. Depending on the geographic region, crops are planted relative

to the particular area influenced by several factors including temperature, weatherpattern, and time of year. Northeast Missouri is considered zone 5(b) for planting.


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Potato,

sweet

90-150 May 15-June

5

- 100 plants 3 ft. 12 in. -

Radish 25-30 Mar 25 - May

1

Aug 1- 20 1 oz. 1 ft. 1 in. in.

Spinach 40-45 Apr 1 - 20 Aug 10 - Sept

20

1 oz. 1 to 2 ft. 1 to 2 in. in.

Squash,bush

50-55 May 15 - 30 1 oz. 3 to 4 ft. 2 ft. 1-2 in.

squash,

winter

85-90 May 15 - 30 - oz. 5 ft. 3 ft. 1-2 in.

Tomato 70-85 May 15 - 30 50 plants 3 to 4 ft. 2 to 3 ft. -

Turnip 45-65 Mar 25 - May

1

Aug 5 - Sept

20

oz. 1 to 2 ft. 1 to 2 in. in.

Watermelon 80-90 May 10 - 20 1 oz. 10 ft. 8 to 10 ft. 1 in.

What to Grow?

When to Grow?

Varieties that are Easy to

Grow?

Vegetables & Fruits that

have the Highest Value?

Amount of Space

Available?

Intended Use of Produce?

Nutritional & Dietary Needs of

Volunteers?

Favorite Fruits & Vegetables of

Volunteers?

Grow from Seed or Buy from Store?

How Fruits or Vegetables Grow

Best?

Can Vegetable be Planted Once or

Multiple Times?


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Garden Site Considerations

Garden maintenance for CGCG is influenced by the location of the garden site.

Using the site consideration model provided by Antioch University & Community

Garden Connections, an evaluation of the location based on the outcomes of thefirst year revealed the environmental obstacles that affect the efficacy of day-to-

day garden maintenance.

Location:

322 S. 8thSt. (8th& Warren Barrett Dr.)

Space:

The total lot size is 120ft x 145ft. The majority of raised beds are 4ft x 4ft

with the exception of five 4ft x 8ft beds. There are at least 30 raised beds currently

onsite and there is more than enough space to double the number of beds.

Light: The garden receives full sun from sunrise to sunset. The only shade isprovided by a tree located in the back northeast corner of the lot.

Slope/Exposure:The ground is relatively level. Holes in the ground were filled in

and part of the lot was graveled. The gravel could be more level but it is sufficient

and will smooth out over time.

Drainage:Adding gravel to the location and having beds raised 2.5 3ft off the

ground helps with water drainage. There are a few areas with poor drainage, but

they do not negatively affect the plants in the raised beds.

Accessibility: Lot is an open public space. The creation of a wattle fence provided

necessary parametersgiving the garden some shape. The gravel, although a little

rocky, makes it wheelchair and walker accessible. There is ample parking and it is

within walking distance from downtown. The garden is located in an area and is set

up in a way to maximize potential participation. Width and height of raised beds

makes it accessible to a variety of people with physical needs. The water & tools are

onsite. Water has open access while the shed is secured by lock and key which is

kept by the garden manager and Parks & Recreation to secure tools & materials.

There is seating available: park bench, designated seating area in northwest cornerof the lot, a bench by the water spigot, and a few chairs under the tree. There is an

issue with shadewhich is important since the location has ample sun.

Water:

Part of the grant money was used to tap into the waterline that was already

onsite. A water spigot was added for access and is located near the center of the

garden. Hoses make it possible to water the far corners of the lot when needed.


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Soil: The soil is rocky and is embedded with coal. The majority of the lot cannot be

planted with the exception of the northeastern corners by the tree and along the

retaining wall. The soil here has been composting with leaves from the tree, making

it suitable for flowers.

Wildlife: Although the site is near forest, the industrial area keeps the majority of

wildlife at bay. Feral cats have been attracted to the garden because of the birds

(which CGCG welcomes to combat pests). Mice have the potential to burrow and

make a nest in the raised beds. CGCG does not recommend growing corn, as that is

most likely the plant that would attract raccoons. With the close proximity to the

Mississippi River, frogs have been onsite. Most wildlife works to defend the garden

in some way and if there is a problem, CGCG allows nature to restore balance

naturally.

Safety:

The location is in an industrial area and is very open. There is always the

potential for vandalism, but this was not experienced in the first year. It is a fewblocks from the police station and has a consistent police presence in the area. It is

not recommended to be onsite in the dark and the hours are posted at the garden.

Sustainability/Availability:

The lot is secured for as long as there is interest in a

garden. It is under the management of the Parks & Recreation department and will

be made available to CGCG for as long as it benefits the community. Aesthetic

values of the garden assist in attracting volunteers and other community members

to the spacecreating a communal space for events, to interact with diverse

community members. Communication can be improved uponmaking sureinformation is clearly and plainly explained. The garden could use more signs

permanent signs and information on rules and how to participate. Using recycled

materials, harvesting seeds, and building rain catchers will assist in the sustainability

of the garden. Composting offers a constant flow of top soil & further engages the

community to participate as well as continuing to offer education opportunities

though workshops.


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Garden maintenance for raised beds takes some adjusting, if you are used to

gardening in-ground. But for most urban gardens, growing in raised beds has

become an art form in its own right and maintenance, a scientific experiment. At

CGCG the first year was an experiment, considering the different variables in play

and how they affected the outcome in crop growth and harvest. The next section is

dedicated to presenting the best practices and the most sustainable practices for

maintaining a natural ecosystem at Common Ground.

Maintenance Guidelines

Maintaining a garden is different every yearthats part of the fun in gardenthe sheer

unpredictability of Mother Nature. Although you cannot predict the outcome, you can do

your best to prepare. CGCG observed and recorded best practices for the community

garden for watering, weeding & mulching, pruning, harvesting, and winterizing raisedbeds with the intention of making sure each volunteer is accurately informed on the

maintenance strategies that are customized for this specific location.

If only Mother Nature rained about an inch to two inches per week, we wouldnt need to

water. Since we cant control rain, we try to manage the garden either by catching rain

water or by infusing tap water with compost to decrease the effects of chlorinated water

on plants and adding nutrients to the soil. This method can also help with nutrient

deficiencies and fungus on plants.

Compost Tea

By using compost tea to replace chemical-based fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, you

can garden safer and be more protective of the environment. Some recipes call for

aeration and a pump and other supplies, but at Common Ground we use 5 gallon buckets

and bags of compost. Lining the bottoms of the buckets with compost, we fill them up with

waterit stirs itselfand ends up looking like muddy Mississippi water. We let it sit in the

sun and soak overnight and then watered in the morning. We also add bone meal, plant

food, and blood meal to the water at times to expedite the feeding process.

Compost tea:

Increases plant growth

Provides nutrients to plants and soil

Provides beneficial organisms

Helps to suppress diseases


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Replaces toxic garden chemicals

Plant Food Types

Bone Meal: Allnatural source of organic phosphorus and nitrogen.

Blood Meal: Safe source of organic nitrogen. Naturally produces more vigorous plants with richer,

greener leaves. A time proven remedy for sickly plants. Fish Emulsion: A decomposed blend of finely pulverized fish. It is high in nitrogen, so you want to

be careful. The fishy smell goes away after a day or two.

Manures:commonly available manures include

project evaluation and education manual

Documents