What is a Community Garden?

A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment.

The community garden can also become a focal point for gardening activities in the neighborhood. A monthly meeting gives each gardener a chance to learn more about their plants by working directly with a local gardening expert. A monthly or bimonthly newsletter also provides gardening tips and keeps everyone informed of activities at the other gardens in the city.

What Are The Benefits?

* Healthy, Tasty, fresh vegetables grown without pesticides
* Brings families and neighborhoods together
* Gives those without much of a yard a place to garden
* Good exercise - and gardening is peaceful and relieves stress
* Beginners and experts alike can share their knowledge (and their harvest)
* Teaches both children and adults about the lives of plants
* Turns otherwise vacant land into a thriving community resource

Who Is Community Gardens of Tucson?

CGT is an all-volunteer group devoted to promoting health, knowledge, joyfulness and a sense of community by helping Tucson residents establish and maintain neighborhood vegetable and flower gardens. It is made up of gardening experts, novices, homeowners and volunteer coordinators.