How to Organize an Urban Gardening Project in 4 Easy Steps

International Good Deeds Day is coming up on April 10, 2016 and there’s no time like the present to start planning your ‘do good’ activity. Whether it’s renovating a home, organizing a community garage sale, or hosting a blood drive, International Good Deeds Day is all about making a positive impact in your community.

For those with a green thumb, a passion for the environment, or just a desire to bring people together, International Good Deeds Day is the perfect opportunity to start an urban gardening project. Here are four easy steps for transforming an empty lot or unused space into a green oasis for everyone to enjoy.

1. FIND A SUITABLE PLOT OF LAND

Approach your local municipality, private companies, churches, or schools in your area to inquire about starting an urban gardening project on their unused land. Make sure the site has clean soil, plenty of sunlight, and access to water.
HERE’S A TIP: Before starting your project, create a schedule for different volunteers to care for the garden year-round.

A rooftop also makes a great location for urban garden (Alison Hancock / Shutterstock.com)

2. PURCHASE YOUR SUPPLIES

Make a shopping list for your gardening supplies. You’ll need seeds, soil, and gardening tools. Don’t forget to purchase seeds for vegetables that are suitable for the climate and location.
HERE’S A TIP: Ask gardening supply stores, farmer’s markets, or plant nurseries to donate to your urban gardening project. Explain it’s for Good Deeds Day and the project is 100 percent volunteer-based!

Make sure to have the gardening supplies accessible so community members can help upkeep the garden anytime (PhotographyByMK / Shutterstock.com)

3. PREPARE YOUR PLOT

Prepare the plot by uprooting weeds and loosening and conditioning the soil with compost. Water the soil and prepare beds for planting. Plant your seeds and water them regularly.
HERE’S A TIP: Check drainage by soaking the soil with a hose, waiting a day, then digging up a handful of soil. Squeeze the soil hard. If water streams out, you’ll probably want to add compost or organic matter to improve the drainage

While it’s nice to have herbs and vegetables in your garden, plant some flowers as well to help beautify the space (malven / Shutterstock.com)

4. ENJOY YOUR GARDEN!

Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! You now have fresh produce for your community, a greener neighborhood – and a new hobby.
HERE’S A TIP: Plan an event for your garden’s first harvest to bring the community together.