Sowing the Seeds of Success

Abstract

Whether providing sustenance during the World Wars, an avenue for grassroots activism in the 1970s, or a local food source for a modern world focused on “sustainable” living, community gardens have proven adept at conforming to society’s needs. Today, a broad range of organizations seeks to maximize the community building and food security benefits commonly attributed to the success of community gardens. Their development and administration must address concerns related to their long-term sustainability to position them for success as permanent and valuable parts of the urban landscape. The research for this project involved two methods: a literature review and interviews with community garden leaders with various roles in the planning, development, and management of a range of community gardens across the United States. The research reveals that successful community gardens are often grown from four “seeds”: secured land tenure; sustained interest; community development; and appropriate design. The recommended considerations include design, development and administration factors.