How to Start a Giving Garden

All kinds of wonderful people and organizations have created useful documents to help you start a giving garden or run one more efficiently. Rather than re-invent the wheel, we thought we’d just direct you to a few of these excellent resources. Hundreds of articles and guides can be found by searching online. The ones below were selected for their local relevance.

ParentMap‘s “Start a Giving Garden: A Guide to Food Bank Gardening”

Our steps to getting started:

  1. Find a space to garden; private property, communal spaces, city spaces can be converted into a space to grow food. Connect with land owners, receive correct permits and permissions. 
  2. Volunteer power. Connect with community, spread the word, get others involved! See our Giving Gardeners Handbook on our website for more details on leadership. 
  3. Financial assistance. Check out these financial aid resources for potential your community garden project. GROW, www.grownorthwest.org . King Conservation District (KCD)supports new and existing community-led agriculture projects within King County. KCD will award up to $3,500 to new community agriculture projects and $1,000 to existing community agriculture projects to purchase approved tools and supplies. The Food Equity Fund is a program of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON)
  4. Find out where and how to donate: Free farm stand •Soup Kitchen •Seniors Centers •Seattle Community Fridge •Foodbanks 

The Tilth Alliance has a great gardening hotline, as well as lots of education.

Confused about all that conflicting advice, or looking for advice that is evidence based? Try the College of Agriculture, Extension Agents, or Master Gardener Programs

Still too much?  One zucchini plant, one tomato plant, one cluster of herbs – it all matters.  Every little bit is appreciated.  Find your local food bank for donation information.

Or, join us at an upcoming event, explore P-Patches and giving gardens for ideas, and ask questions! We’re here to help.