Building Community Through Gardening

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 lent to us by a church, school or private land owner, at no charge, for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 20′, 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 property owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is $15.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment, the bimonthly newsletter and a shed full of tools.  The gardener usually only needs to supply plants/seeds and soil amendments.

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 nonprofit 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.  If the garden is not going to be run by CGT, we are happy to consult on garden projects for a consulting fee of $50 per hour.

Our Mission Statement:

The all-volunteer nonprofit Community Gardens of Tucson establishes and maintains community gardens and provides ongoing education that enables Tucson residents to grow food successfully and sustainably in garden communities within their neighborhoods.