Antioch's Community Garden Resources: Tools & Education
TL;DR: This resource guide compiles essential tools and organizations for establishing and nurturing community gardens.
- Antioch University offers key community garden publications.
- Many organizations provide national and regional gardening support.
- Diverse garden programs showcase successful local and broad initiatives.
- Curricular resources aid garden education across age groups.
- Local events foster community engagement and learning.
Why it matters: Access to curated resources simplifies the complex process of starting and maintaining a community garden, fostering local food security and education.
Do this next: Explore the listed organizations and programs for inspiration and practical guidance in your region.
Recommended for: Aspiring and current community garden organizers, educators, and permaculture enthusiasts seeking foundational and advanced resources.
Antioch University's Community Garden Resources page offers a comprehensive collection of tools, publications, and links for community gardening initiatives, particularly through the Community Garden Connections (CGC) program. Key student publications include the Community Garden Connections Education Manual, Growing for Good manual, Horticulture Therapy Workbook, and the CGC Wixsite, providing practical guides for establishing and managing gardens. The page lists prominent organizations such as Gardens Network - Community Groundworks, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, Northeast Organic Farming Association, and American Community Gardening Association, offering national and regional support. Sample garden programs feature local efforts like the Cornucopia Project in Peterborough, NH; Stonewall Farm in Keene, NH; and The Sustainability Project in Gilsum, NH, alongside broader initiatives including Seeds of Solidarity in Orange, MA; The Food Project in Boston, MA; East New York Farms! in NYC; Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati, OH; Youth Farm & Market Project in MN; Accessible Gardens For All in MA; and Community Groundworks in Madison, WI. Curricular resources encompass websites like National Gardening Association’s Kids Gardening Resources, The Edible Schoolyard Project, University of Illinois Extension for school gardening, Windham County Farm to School, National Junior Master Gardener Program, Garden Forever for inclusive gardening, Earth Easy for child-friendly guides, and activities like Parts of a Flower for kids and Gardening for Kids. Local happenings include monthly garden visits by The Sustainability Project from April to September and UNH Cooperative Extension events. This resource hub supports educators, gardeners, and communities in building sustainable, inclusive garden programs with a focus on education, therapy, and food production.