Urban Farming Detroit, Michigan Edgeton Community Garden

In many intercity communities there is vacant land from buildings being torn down. Some enterprising individuals have taken it upon themselves to establish community gardens as a way to help themselves and others in the community. W.D.Gardner (alias) of eastside Detroit, Michigan is one such individual. He is trying to establish gardens in his community in the hopes of providing food for his neighbours and the possibility of creating local jobs for the youth in his community. This video is a bit long but well worth watching. In the video he refers to his crib. Crib means home. It shows what one person with what he freely admits little knowledge of garden but a desire to help his community can achieve. The garden was started in March of 2009 with the video shot on June 25, 2009. I think it is remarkable!

Now that you have watched the video you can see just how impressive his efforts are. He is growing organically using natural pest/weed control and crop rotation. I noticed he is also using good garden management by continuously planting to increase yield. What is even more amazing about this garden is he appears to be doing the majority of the work himself with minimal tools and help. He does mention some of the seeds and plants were donated. He will likely collect seeds for the following year's garden as most gardeners do.

Using vacant land for a community garden is not quite as easy as it sounds. If you are not buying the land and can't afford to rent it you will need to seek permission to use the land from whomever owns the land. That in itself can take a fair amount of effort just tracking down the owner(s). Next you have to clear your plans with the municipality. Some vacant lots are zoned in such a manner that they cannot be used for a community garden. There may be an environmental issue such as soil contamination as well depending on what the land was previously used forThen there is the issue of water which you will need but there likely won't be any source other than rainwater on vacant land. Finally the sad reality is not everyone appreciates community gardens so vandalism can be a real concern. Despite all these possible set backs determined folks like W.D. Gardener are proving it can be done!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
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