Join or Start Community Garden - Tools and Resources for Organizers
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8/8/2019 Join or Start Community Garden - Tools and Resources for Organizers
1/18
INCLUDED IN THIS KIT:Do you have a green thumb? Or would you like
to make your thumb a bit greener? Then maybe you
should start or join a community garden. Growing
your own ruits and veggies is a great way to use yourexisting skills or discover new gardening talents
while helping your community.
Tips,
Tools and
Resources or
Organizers
Start or join
a community
garden!
1 Overview
2 The Basic Steps
10 Basic Elements o a Community Garden
11 Sample Guidelines and Rules
15 Troubleshooting
17 Additional Resources
IN CONJUNCTION WITH
Revised 4-19-10
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Start or join a community garden!
OVERVIEW
The problem
Communities are struggling to purchase resh and healthy ood or their amilies. Local ood pantries and
other organizations whose mission is to provide ood to those in need are seeing an increase in need and
a decrease in donations. As or us, were always on the go-go-go. When it comes to buying ood, we dont
always pay attention to where it comes rom or how it was grown.
The solution
Start or join a community or school garden! Youll work with your neighbors and community members to grow
nutritious, healthy ruits and veggies that you know came rom a good source. And you can share your bountiul
harvest and newound skills with local community organizations who eed the hungry.
Time commitment
A ew hours to join an existing garden. Numerous days (spread out in manageable chunks) to start a garden.
Special considerations
Starting a new garden can take some time. It wont happen overnight, so be prepared to ollow this project
through i it takes a bit longer than expected. But remember, the end results are worth the wait!
Who can do this?
Anyone who can do moderate physical activity. Also, you should be comortable getting dirty!
Great reasons to do this project:
Itllhelpyouconnectwiththecommunity.
Youcanhelpprovidefreshfoodtothoseinneed.
Yourfamilywillhaveaccesstohealthyandnutritiousfood.
Youllpreservegreenspaceinyourneighborhood.
Youllgetoutdoorsandenjoysomefreshair.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
The Basic Steps
To START a community garden, follow these steps below. If you want to JOIN an existing garden,
skip to the end of this section. Consider starting a garden at your local school. See the Additional
Resources section for ideas on how to start a Teaching Garden with a school in your community.
STARTING A COMMUNITY GARDEN
STEP 1: GET PLANNING!FORM A PLANNING COMMITTEE
Talktoyourfriendsandneighborsandseewhomightbeinterestedinhelpingwiththegarden.
Askthoseinterestedtoformaplanningcommitteewithyou.(Threetovepeopleshouldwork!)
Holdaninitialmeetingwiththeplanningcommittee.Discuss:
What is your purpose?
What are your short and long-term objectives?
Who chooses leaders and how?
Howwilldecisionsbemade?
Howwillworkbeshared?Whodoeswhat?
Who will the garden serve?
Makealistofwhatneedstobedoneanddivideintocommitteesforspecictasks(fundingand
partnerships, construction, communications, etc.).
Scheduleakickoffinviteotherneighbors,family,communityorganizations,gardeningand
horticultural societies.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
SET SOME GROUND RULES
Its important to establish some ground rules or your garden (see Sample Rules in the Resources
sectionbelow).Workwithyourplanningcommitteetowritedowntheanswerstothesequestions:
Arethereconditionsformembership(residence,dues,agreementwithrules)?
Howwillplotsbeassigned(byfamilysize,byresidency,byneed,bygroupe.g.,youth,elderly,etc.)?
Howlargeshouldplotsbe(orshouldtherebeseveralsizesbasedonfamilysizeorotherfactors)?
Howshouldplotsbelaidout?
Doyouwantthegardentobeorganic?
Ifthegroupchargesdues,howwillthemoneybeused?Whatservices,ifany,willbeprovided
to gardeners in return?
Willthegroupdocertainthingscooperatively(suchasturningsoilinthespring,plantingcovercrops
or composting)?
Whensomeoneleavesaplot,howwillthenexttenantbechosen?
Howwillthegroupdealwithpossiblevandalism?
Willtherebeachildrensplot?Ifso,willtheybefreeforparentswhoalreadyhaveaplot?
Willthegardenersmeetregularly?Ifso,howoftenandforwhatpurposes?
Willgardenerssharetools,hosesandothersuchitems?
Howwillminimummaintenance(especiallyweeding)behandledbothinsideplotsandincommon
areas (such as along ences, in fower beds and in sitting areas)?
Willtherebesetrulesthatgardenersareexpectedtouphold?Ifso,howwilltheybeenforced?
Shouldyourgroupincorporateandconsiderbuyingyourgardensite?
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
STEP 2: FIGURE OUT FUNDING
Some gardens sel-support through membership dues. Talk with interested members about what they are
willing to contribute.
Also,considerndingasponsorortwo.Churches,schools,privatebusinessesorparksandrecreation
departments are all possible supporters. Ask your sponsor what they would be willing to provide, such as land,
tools, seeds or even money!
You can also raise money or your garden. For example, one garden raised money by selling square inches
at $5 each to hundreds o sponsors.Remember, beore you start collecting unds, you will need to set up a bank account. You should determine
what the money will be used or and who will have access to the account.
STEP 3: CHOOSE A SITE
FIND THE SITE
Picking the right site will take time, so be patient!
Doaninitialscoutandmakealistofpotentialsites,justincaseyourrstchoicedoesntworkout.When
lookingatsites:
Recordtheaddress(orthenearestcrossstreets)Thiswillhelpwithdeterminingownership.
MeasurethesizeYourgardendoesntneedtobehuge,butyouwillwantenoughroomforeach
plot, usually 10 eet by 10 eet.
CheckforsunlightandwaterThegardenshouldgetatleast6fullhoursofsunlightdaily(forvegetables)
and be near a water source.
TestthesoilYoucanassessthenutrientsinthearea,aswellasmakesurethereisnocontamination.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
SECURE THE SITE
Onceyouandyourplanningcommitteedecideontheperfectsite,youllneedto:
Identifytheownerofyourpotentialgardensite(s).
Figureouthowmuchyouarewillingtopayinrent.Hopefully,theownerwillgiveittoyouforlittle
money.Mostcommunitygardengroupsleasesitesfromlandownersfor$1peryear.
Contactyourcountytaxassessorsofcefortheownerscontactinformation.(Dontworry
about whether the land is public or private either could work or a garden.)
Writealettertothelandownerofyourtopsite.
Ask permission to use the property or a community garden. This is a sales job, so turn on the charm!
Intheletter,listthebenetsofagardentothecommunityandemphasizethatgardenerswill
keep the site clean and weed-ree.
I youve secured any sponsors, mention them here.
Follow up with a phone call or stop by the house personally i you dont get a response.
I that owner says no, move down your list to the next option.
Writealeaseonceyouhaveayesfromalandowner.
This sounds intimidating but its not hard!
Try to get a lease or at least three years i the landowner is willing.
Makesuretocheckaboutliability.Considerincludingasimpleholdharmlesswaiverinthelease
and in gardener agreement orms. Or consider getting liability insurance. Work with an agent
who deals with a bunch o the top carriers. That way youll get the best policy or your needs.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
STEP 4: DEVELOP AND PREPARE THE SITE
Once you have your plot secured and ready to go, the real un can begin!
DESIGN THE GARDEN [See Basic Garden Elements in the Resources section for more details]
When designing your garden, a simple grid is the easiest way to start.
Keepinmind:
WalkwaysPeoplewillneedenoughroomtowalkandcarrygardeningtools,botharoundtheedges
and between rows o plots.
DenedplotsFinalizethesizeandnumberofplots.
ChildrensplotsIfyouhavedecidedtoincludechildrensplots,makesuretosetasideaspecic
section o the garden.
FencingYoullneedtodesignandbuildafencearoundthegardenforsecurityandtokeepanimalsout.
StorageareasTherewillneedtobeaplacetokeeptoolsandotherequipment,aswellasacompostarea.
FlowersandshrubbedsPlantingaroundtheperimeterofthegardenwillhelppromotegoodwill
with non-gardening neighbors and municipal authorities.
SET UP THE SITE
Getting your site ready or planting is a big job. So round up lots o volunteers!
Firstthingsrst,spendadaycleaningthesite.Youmayneedtorentheavyequipment,likeabackhoe,
to do a thorough job.
Afterthesiteisclean,itistimetogetbuilding:
Planaworkdaywhenallgardenersinyourgroupcometogethertosetupthesite.
Gatheryourresourcessoil,mulch,fencing,stakes,etc.Trytogetfreematerialsfromyoursponsors
or other sources, like a local landscaping company.
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Organizevolunteersintodifferentworkcrews.Havesometurnsoil,installplotbordersor(ifneeded)
raised beds, install a ence, etc.
Aftereverythingisready,haveallthegardenersmarktheirplots.
Installarainproofbulletinboardforannouncinggardeneventsandmessagestokeepmembers
up-to-date and recruit new gardeners.
STEP 5: PLANT SOMETHING!
Get to work right away!
Holdacelebrationtoapplaudeveryoneshardwork.Remember,communitygardensareallaboutcreating
and strengthening communities. And un events go a long way to keeping everyone engaged and excited!
STEP 6: SHARE THE WEALTH
GardenscanproduceandproduceANDPRODUCE.Individualsmaychoosetodonatefoodandproduce
to neighbors who could use some resh produce. Or your group may have agreed to donate resh ood
to the local ood bank, aith-based organizations or other organizations that provide ood to those in need.
You might also consider holding an educational session where you can teach others in your community
about how to build a community garden and/or how to create their own amily garden.
STEP 7: INSPIRE OTHERS ON CREATETHEGOOD.ORG!
TELL US WHAT YOU DID!
We want to hear stories about how you helped give back to your community. www.CreateTheGood.org/GoGreen
You just might inspire others to do the same.
SHARE FEEDBACK
We are always looking or eedback on our materials, so please let us know how this guide was helpul
or additional inormation you wish we could have included. Share lessons learned and other tips or uture
gardeners. http://www.aarp.org/community/groups/GreenVolunteering
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
KEEP UP THE GOOD!
Remember,whetheryouvegotveminutes,vehoursorvedays,youcanmakeapositiveimpactinyour
community. And i you have more time, consider organizing another service activity,ndinglocalopportunities
and posting your events at CreateTheGood.org.
Want to Join a Community Garden?
Thereareapproximately18,000communitygardensthroughouttheUnitedStatesandCanada.Usethe
American Community Garden Associations (ACGA) web link http://acga.localharvest.org/ tondone
near you. The site includes garden details and contact inormation or each site.
You can also become a member o ACGA. Senior memberships start at $15 and provide access to the
groupsMemberDirectory,whereyoucanparticipateindiscussionsonACGAsemaillistserv.Youcannd
membership inormation here
http://www.communitygarden.org/support-us/become-a-member/join-renew.php#categories.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Resources and Tools
RESOURCES
Basic Elements of a Community Garden
(ProvidedbyUniversityofCaliforniaCooperativeExtension,LosAngelesCounty,DivisionofAgriculture
and Natural Resources)
Althoughthereareexceptionstoeveryrule,communitygardensshouldalmostalwaysinclude:
Atleast15plotsassignedtocommunitymembers.
These should be placed in the sunniest part o the garden.
Withoutplotsforindividualparticipation,itisverydifculttoachievelong-termcommunityinvolvement.
Raised bed plots, which are more expensive, should be no more than our eet wide (to acilitate
access to plants rom the sides without stepping into the bed) and between eight and 12 eet
long (it is advisable to construct your raised beds in sizes that are ound in readily available lumber,
or that can be cut without too much waste).
In-ground plots can be rom 10x10 up to 20x20 eet. Pathways between beds and plots should
be at least three to our eet wide to allow space or wheelbarrows. The soil in both raised beds and
in-ground plots should be amended with aged compost or manure to improve its ertility and
increase its organic matter content.
Asimpleirrigationsystemwithonehosebiborfaucetforeveryfourplots.
Hand-wateringwithahoseisthemostpracticalandaffordableforindividualplots(anditsalmost
a necessity when you start plants rom seeds).
Dripandsoaker-hoseirrigationcanbeusedinallareasofthegardenfortransplantedandestablished
plants, but especially or deep-rooted ruit trees and ornamentals.
I no one in your group is knowledgeable about irrigation, you might need some assistance
in designing your irrigation system. Seek out a landscape contractor, nursery or garden center
proessional to help you develop a basic layout and materials list.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Aneight-footfencearoundtheperimeterwithadrive-throughgate.
In our experience, this is a key element o success.
Dontcountoneliminatingallactsofvandalismortheft,butfencingwillhelptokeepthese
to tolerably low levels.
A tool shed or other structure or storing tools, supplies and materials.
Recycled metal shipping containers make excellent storage sheds and are almost vandal-proo.
(ContactthePortAuthorityforleadsonwheretondthem.)
Benchorpicnictableswheregardenerscansit,relaxandtakeabreakpreferablyintheshade.
I there are no shade trees on the site, a simple arbor can be constructed rom wood or pipe
and planted with chayote squash, bougainvillea, grapes, kiwis or some other vine.
Asignwiththegardensname,sponsorsandacontactpersonsphonenumberformoreinformation.
I your community is bilingual, include inormation in the second language.
A shared composting area or the community gardeners.
Woodpalletsareeasytocomebyand(whenstoodonend,attachedinaU-shapeandtheinside
covered with galvanized rabbit wire) make excellent compost bins.
TOOLS
Sample Guidelines and Rules
(Provided by American Community Garden Association)
Havingclearguidelinesandrulesiskeytoyourgardenssuccess.Thesecanbeformalorinformal.
Formal Bylaws and Rules
Whendraftingformalbylawsforyourgarden,youshouldinclude:
Fullofcialnameoforganizationandlegaladdress
Organizingmembers,namesandaddresses
The(briefdescriptionofthe)purpose,goalsandphilosophyoftheorganization
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Membershipcategoriesandeligibilityrequirements
Membershipdues,howmuchandwhenpaid
Specifywhenandhowoftenregularorspecialmeetingsofthemembershiparetobeheld,
as well as regular and annual meetings o the board o directors.
Statewhatofcersarenecessary,howtheyarechosen,lengthofterm,theirdutiesandhow
vacanciesarelled.
Organizationaldissolutionprocesses
Statespecialcommittees,theirpurposeandhowtheyoperate.
Establishasystemsothatbylawscanberescindedoramended,maybebyasimplemajority.
Stateanyofcialpoliciesorpractices(e.g.,gardengroupwillavoidtheuseofhazardoussubstances;
groupwillagreetokeepalladjacentsidewalksingoodrepairandfreeoficeandsnowinseason;
group will make all repairs necessary to keep equipment, ences and urniture in good order and repair).
IncludeaHoldHarmlessclause(sample):
We, the undersigned members o the (name) garden group, hereby agree to hold harmless
(name owner) rom and against any damage, loss, liability, claim, demand, suit, cost and
expense directly or indirectly resulting rom, arising out o or in connection with the use o the
(name) garden by the garden group, its successors, assigns, employees, agents and invitees.
Informal Rules
Writedownasimplelistofcommitmentseachmemberneedstoadhereto.Pickandchoosewhatbestts
your groups situation (what type o garden, is it in a park, etc.).
Iwillpayafeeof$_____tohelpcovergardenexpenses.
Iwillhavesomethingplantedinthegardenby(date) and keep it planted all summer long.
IfImustabandonmyplotforanyreason,Iwillnotifythegardenleadership.
Iwillkeepweedsataminimumandmaintaintheareasimmediatelysurroundingmyplot,ifany.
Ifmyplotbecomesunkempt,IunderstandIwillbegivenaone-weeknoticetocleanitup.Atthat
time, it will be reassigned or tilled in.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Iwillkeeptrashandlitteroutoftheplot,aswellasfromadjacentpathwaysandfences.
Iwillparticipateinthefallcleanupofthegarden.
Iwillplanttallcropswheretheywillnotshadeneighboringplots.
Iwillpickonlymyowncropsunlessgivenpermissionbyanotherplotuser.
Iwillnotusefertilizers,insecticidesorweedrepellentsthatwillinanywayaffectotherplots.
Iagreetovolunteerhourstowardcommunitygardeningefforts(includealistofvolunteertasks
that your garden needs).
Iwillnotbringpetstothegarden.
Iunderstandthatneitherthegardengroupnorownersofthelandareresponsibleformyactions.
I thereore agree to hold harmless the garden group and owners o the land or any liability, damage,
loss or claim that occurs in connection with use o the garden by me or any o my guests.
The primary content o this kit is provided by the American Community Gardening Association. ACGA promotes community gardening to
furtheritsmissionofbuildingcommunitybyincreasingandenhancingcommunitygardeningandgreeningacrosstheUnitedStatesand
Canada.ACGAsroleisextremelylimited;ACGAactsonlyasaclearinghouseforvolunteersandindependentorganizerstondcommunity
gardensandtoproviderelatedinformationandmaterialstopersonsinterestedinstartinggardens.AARPandHandsOnNetworkencourage
peopletondwaystomakeadifferenceintheircommunity.AARP,HandsOnNetworkandACGAarenotresponsiblefortheorganization
oftheseeventsorthechoiceofsite,organizers,volunteersoranyincidentthatmayoccuratanygardeningsite,nordoesAARP,HandsOn
Network or ACGA design, supervise, control or monitor these events in any way.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Creating an Application Form
The application orm or your community garden doesnt need to be anything ancy.
Applicationformscanincludeanyofthefollowinginformation:
Name(s):_______________________________________________________________
Address,Zip:____________________________________________________________
TelephoneNumber:Days___________________Evenings___________________
SitePreference: 1.______________________
2.______________________
3.______________________
4.______________________
Sizeofplot:_______________________________________________________________
Season:Year-round(mustbemaintainedallyear)
Short season (include dates)
Checktheappropriateitems:
I am a senior citizen.
I am physically disabled.
Thisismyrstyearatthisgarden.
Iwouldlikeagardennexttoafriend,______________________________________.
Ihavegardenedherebeforeandwouldlikeplot#______,ifavailable.
Ihavegardenedbeforeat__________________for____________________.
(name)
(where) (how long)
(list choices available)
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
TROUBLESHOOTING
Vandalism
Vandalismisacommonfearamongcommunitygardeners.However,thefeartendstobemuchgreaterthan
theactualincidence.Trytheseprovenmethodstodetervandalism:
Makeasignforthegarden.Letpeopleknowtowhomthegardenbelongsandthatitis
a neighborhood project.
Fencescanbeofalmostanymaterial.Theyserveasmuchtomarkpossessionofapropertyasto
discourage unauthorized entry. Short picket ences or turkey wire will keep out dogs and other animals.
Createashadymeetingareainthegardenandmakeyourpresenceknown.
Inviteeveryoneintheneighborhoodtoparticipatefromtheverybeginning.Personsexcludedfrom
the garden are potential vandals.
Invitetheneighborhoodchildrentolearnhowtogarden.Theycanbethegardensbestprotectors.
Plantraspberries,rosesorotherthornyplantsalongthefenceasabarriertofenceclimbers.
Makefriendswithneighborswhosewindowsoverlookthegarden.Tradethemowersandvegetables
or a protective eye.
Harvestallripefruitandvegetablesonadailybasistodiscourageunauthorizedaccess.
Plantpotatoes,otherrootcropsoralesspopularvegetablesuchaskohlrabialongthesidewalkorfence.
Plantthepurplevarietiesofcauliowerandbeansorthewhiteeggplanttoconfuseavandal.
Plantavandalsgardenattheentrance.Markitwithasign:Ifyoumusttakefood,pleasetakeit
rom here.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Gardener Drop-Out
Community gardens traditionally have a high turnover rate. People oten sign up or plots and dont ollow
through or go on a vacation and never get back to the garden ater they return. Remember, gardening
is hard work or some people, especially in the heat o summer.
Be sure to have a clause in your gardener agreement that states gardeners oreit their right to their plot
i they dont plant within one month or i they dont maintain it. While gardeners should be given every
opportunity to ollow through, i ater several reminders (either by letter or phone) nothing changes, it is
time or the club to reassign the plot.
It is also advisable that every year the leadership conduct a renewed community outreach campaign by
contacting churches and other groups in the neighborhood to let them know about the garden and that plots
are available.
People Problems and Solutions
Angryneighborsandbadgardenersposeproblemsforacommunitygarden.Usuallythetwoarerelated.
Neighborscomplaintomunicipalgovernmentsaboutmessy,unkemptgardensorrowdybehavior;mostgardens
cant aord poor relations with neighbors, local politicians or potential sponsors. Thereore, choose bylaws
careully so you have procedures to ollow when members ail to keep their plots clean and up to code.
A well-organized garden with strong leadership and committed members can overcome almost any obstacle.
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION AND HandsOn NETWORK
Additional Resources
American Community Garden Association
http://communitygarden.org
HandsOnNetwork
www.handsonnetwork.org
Los Angeles County Cooperative Extension, Common Ground Garden Program
http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/
Start a Teaching Gardenhttp://www.takepart.com/teachinggarden
Plant a Butterfy Garden at a School
http://www.handsonnetwork.org/node/212
10 Steps to Starting a Community Garden
http://communitygarden.org/docs/10stepsstart.pdf
10 Tools Every Gardener Needs
http://communitygarden.org/docs/10tools.pdf
Victory Gardens are Growing Anew
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/personalnance/articles/victory_gardens_are_growing_anew.html
The primary content o this kit is provided by the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA). ACGA promotes community gardening
tofurtheritsmissionofbuildingcommunitybyincreasingandenhancingcommunitygardeningandgreeningacrosstheUnitedStatesand
Canada.ACGAsroleisextremelylimited;ACGAactsonlyasaclearinghouseforvolunteersandindependentorganizerstondcommunity
gardensandtoproviderelatedinformationandmaterialstopersonsinterestedinstartinggardens.AARPandHandsOnNetworkencourage
peopletondwaystomakeadifferenceintheircommunity.AARP,HandsOnNetworkandACGAarenotresponsiblefortheorganization
oftheseeventsorthechoiceofsite,organizers,volunteersoranyincidentthatmayoccuratanygardeningsite,nordoesAARP,HandsOn
Network or ACGA design, supervise, control or monitor these events in any way.