Start a Community Garden
Our Programs
Wasatch Community Gardens has three programs to help you start and run your own community garden:
The Wasatch Community Gardens Network
The Wasatch Community Gardens Network supports community gardens in Salt Lake County through leadership development, education, networking and access to resources. Garden leaders in our Network receive ongoing consultation, tool library membership, garden leader networking opportunities, and eligibility to apply for financial (up to $5,000) and technical support for new community gardens.
To join the Network, gardeners must first complete our annual Growing Community Gardens leadership training and sign an agreement to grow organically, meet standards of inclusion, and serve as the garden's point of contact with the Wasatch Community Gardens Network Coordinator. Applications to Growing Community Gardens, the first step of joining the Network, are due December 1st.
Parks For Produce
Salt Lake County's Urban Farming Initiative partners with Wasatch Community Gardens to provide land, infrastructure, organizing expertise, and administrative assistance to groups interested in starting new community gardens at pre-designated Salt Lake County sites.
Green City Growers
Salt Lake City has made it a goal to support community gardens and is partnering with Wasatch Community Gardens to develop and coordinate sustainable, flourishing community gardens on City-owned land.
Additional Resources:
From Neglected Parcel to Community Garden: A Handbook (pdf)
Our popular handbook can be downloaded for free here. Once you have read over the handbook, our staff may be available, as time allows, to consult over the phone or in person to help you answer additional questions.
Start-Up Consultation
After you have read through the resources above, staff may be available to help you answer remaining questions, meet with your garden group or do an initial site visit. Consultation availability is dependent on the season (Spring is our busiest time!) and priority is given to projects within Salt Lake City that have a community development and food-access mission.
Sharing Backyards
An online map that connects gardeners looking for land with landowners looking for gardeners.
How to Start a Community Garden Workshop
Come get your questions answered, and learn from recent community garden pioneers in the valley at this one-time workshop. Topics include forming a committee, planning the garden, organizing gardeners, overcoming challenges and fostering community involvement. This workshop is usually offered once in the winter, and pre-registration is required. Check out our workshop schedule for more information.
The American Community Gardening Association
Wasatch Community Gardens is a member of The American Community Gardening Association, which provides information, a nation-wide map of community gardens, workshops, conferences, and an open list-serve for community garden organizers.
If you have questions about the above resources, or for an initial consultation, please email susan@wasatchgarden.org or call 801-359-2658 x12.
