Communal Gardening, Could be the Way to Go

Most folks think of hippies when they hear the words communal gardening. Well, you don't have to belong to a commune, or wear tie dyed cloths. All you need is a few people who want to garden, but like you don't always have the time.

First you need to fine the land. It can be your own or you can rent a field from a nearby farmer/landowner. Now you need to get your gardening pals together for some planning. It's a good idea to do these two things in late winter. Here are the things you will need for a productive growing season.

1. A Secretary: Someone to keep all of the paperwork. Someone with a computer is great. You also need to know this person is reliable and accessible. 2. A Working Calendar: You will need to know who will be working the gardens, and when. 3. A List of Specialties: The person who really knows tomatoes, the one who doesn't mind weeding, ex. 4. Subcontractors: If you are renting a farmer's land, they may till the field for you. If not, you will need to find someone to do it. If no one in your gardening group can do it. You can find many adds, in the paper, just before spring. All participants split the cost. 5. The Plants: The plants and seeds will need to be purchased. Elect one person to go to the garden center. Make sure they have a list of everything you want to plant.

Planting Day

You need to choose a day when every gardener can participate. This ensures a vested interest for all involved. With a group, the planting can be done in no time. Make sure everything is planted and labeled. When the planting is done, sit down and make out the work schedule.

The Work Schedule

Once it's down in writing, you all are going to have to go on the honor system. So make sure you can trust everyone to do his or her share. If someone totally slacks off, they may need to be voted out. That will be up to the group.

The Harvest

Since everything won't be ready to pick on one day, again you will need to rely on the honor system. Everyone should get equal amounts of the veggies. Unless another arrangement has been made. Such as one person needing more tomatoes to can, or one person doesn't eat eggplant.

The Cleanup

At the end of the season choose another day when all can get together. Everyone helps to clean up the remains of the garden. This is also a good time to see who will be doing it again, nest year.

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