Community Garden Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a community garden?

A community garden is a place where people have a common interest in growing and maintaining various types of plants.

Community gardens provide access to land for people who may not have access to private property. Also, community gardens appeal to those people who enjoy fostering community and/or wish to see their local neighborhood beautified.

It is an excellent way to celebrate Toronto's unity in diversity through shared visioning and ongoing participation.

Once the community garden is established, it can be divided into sub-plots for each individual/family to cultivate or all decisions can be made collectively. That is the beauty of the exercise - it depends on what the community group decides.

In either case, members of community gardens must be accountable for the upkeep and maintenance of their garden for the entire season.

Is there a difference between a Community Garden and an Allotment Garden?

Yes, there is a difference between community and allotment gardens. In an allotment you are assigned a plot and pay a seasonal fee. A community garden involves a group effort both in terms of getting the garden established in the community and in the decision making process.

What constitutes a community group?

In order to start a community garden you will need the support and commitment of at least 5 community members to assure that there will be accountability for the upkeep and maintenance of the garden.

The implementation process is a way for the City Community Garden Co-ordinator to engage interested groups and gauge the overall commitment of a community group in question. Attendance at these meetings will often predict the overall success of the community garden as it evolves from vision to harvest.

There will usually be a core group that will decide on what role each member will play. Most importantly each group needs a garden co-ordinator, who will oversee the project and work with the City for support. The group will determine the other roles.

Do I need to be a Gardening Expert to Start a Community Garden?

Although it is sometimes beneficial for the morale of the group to have an 'expert' gardener, it is not a necessity. There are many resources and experts within the community gardening network that can be consulted, should the need arise.

Since community gardening is about building community - the most desirable attributes for an aspiring garden co-ordinator is knowledge of the community and communication abilities. If the co-ordinator can communicate information to the key members of the community in such a way that increases overall participation - chances for success will be greatly enhanced.

How do I get started?

In order to get started a community group must follow the Community Garden Application Process

What support can I expect from the city?

The city provides support with the site selection process:

• First you may identify a location or locations that are appropriate sites for your community garden. The site should be safe enough for people to work.
  
• Second, contact the Community Garden coordinator and provide him with the location(s) and address
  
• Third, The coordinator investigates title history of the site to determine ownership(city or private), and other conditions for use of the site
  
• Fourth, the Coordinator, Design and Planning Department, and area Supervisor review the site for approval ensuring stakeouts for electrical, gas or telephone lines have been carried out

How do we select an appropriate site for the garden?

An ideal community garden site has the following attributes:

• It receives at least 6 hours of sun per day
  
• It is close to watering facilities; does not interfere with any underground pipes or lines
  
• It is convenient for the community members to participate
  
• It does not encroach on the community's enjoyment of other park facilities: dog walking, sports, picnic areas etc.

Does this site have to be accessible to all people?

Your community garden should be accessible to those members of your community who have committed time and energy into building and maintaining the garden site. However, If the group decides that they are comfortable with other people coming through the garden it is a decision that they must deal with.

How do we agree on a design?

Agreeing on a design can be an exhaustive process, especially if there are competing visions for the garden within the group. If that happens it is always best to seek impartial advice outside of the group. The City's Community Garden Co-ordinator can offer suggestions based on what is ideal for the site conditions: light, soil, and context of the garden. Understanding these conditions assist groups in determining the best design. If funding is available, gardens can be designed by a professional.

Before the Community Garden Co-Ordinator can offer support, a site plan must be submitted (See requirements for support)

Is vandalism and theft a major concern with community gardeners?

Vandalism and theft are concerns of community gardeners. There has not been any major incidents reported. It is recommended that you post signs and put up a fence as extra precautionary measures. The signage helps to keep people informed and aware of what is happening in their community. A fence lets people know that there is a boundary and it will be greatly appreciated if those boundaries are respected.

Is Community Gardening Costly?

Getting a community garden does not have a direct cost. There are however, some things that may cost your group some money depending on group interest: soil tests, tools, compost delivery, compost bin, fencing, plant material. There are different agencies and organizations that provide funding for eligible groups.

How do we access water?

In the Community Garden Implementation Process water is addressed. Keep in mind that watering often becomes an issue in Midsummer, when the initial spring planting fever has long subsided. A successful community garden will have a watering schedule in mind advance of the garden installation. Perhaps the garden can be designed around dry conditions (xeriscaping)

How long will the process take to get our Community Garden started?

Depends on each individual group situation. Did you follow the implementation process? Do you have enough core members? Burnout sometimes happens to those who are a driving force. Has the site been selected already? Is there sufficient community interest?