If you want to get in to gardening, it can be hard to know where to start. No problem! Talking to family and friends can help – you’ll be surprised just how much some people know. Your local garden or hardware stores are also great places to get information and ideas. Before you sow that first seed, though, here’s a quick checklist of kick-off decisions you’ll need to make:
Location
- Sounds obvious, but you need to consider it. Maybe you’ve got the perfect patch in your back yard or maybe you need to consider a balcony garden. Remember, there are also community garden options – your local council can help with that.
Design and site analysis
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Decide if you’d like to dip your toes with a few pots on the deck or small beds in the yard, or take the plunge with a larger-scale garden. This will depend on your experience, location, what you want to grow and budget.
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If you know the location – check soil, drainage and sunlight conditions before drawing up your plans. Depending on conditions, raised beds or shade cloth might be worth considering.
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Think about a vision for your garden. Will it be getting bigger? Will you want to change out what you grow? How do you want to be using it in 5 years? Here’s a guide to what veggies will work best in your area
Equipment
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Make an inventory (and a budget) for the equipment you will need, including tools, fertiliser and soil. If you’re planning on going big you might also need to think about construction materials and possibly equipment hire.
Community garden
If you’re planning to start a community garden there are a few other considerations you will need to cover.
Community support and involvement
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Who can you partner with – and how will you attract community members to join the project? Can you offer volunteer work for local schools and organisations in exchange for training – or host special classes and events for interest groups? Planning support networks early will make your garden sustainable into the future.
Organisational policies
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How will your garden grow? Will you operate on a fully communal basis, or offer individual plots to gardeners? How will meetings run and how often? How will you ensure ongoing maintenance of communal areas?
Split up who will take on coordinator roles
Assign roles for the start-up phase to make sure your garden gets off the groun
Plan for funding
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You’ll need to find a way to bankroll your project. The good news is it doesn’t have to come out of your own pocket.
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You can apply for a range of grants from government and community groups.
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Australian Government – Grants to voluntary environment and heritage organisations.
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Local nurseries or gardeners (for equipment donations).
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Local service club – Lions, Rotary.
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Other organisations may provide funds for gardening initiatives.
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Most gardens also charge a small membership fee and get involved in fundraising activities.
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How will you keep in the green? Could you run events or sell your produce at local markets?
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You will also need to look at public liability insurance – see if you can be covered by council, or current land owner (school).
Local policies and guidelines
- Depending on where you live, there might be guidelines and requirements you need to meet before you pick up a shovel. Check with your local council. Here’s a quick way to find yours.
