Eight Steps to Turn a Vacant Lot into an Urban Community Garden

A vacant lot in the city can become a little slice of country with some group effort and a lot of determination. 

There are eight things to do to get started if you find a vacant lot in your neighborhood that would make a great garden:

• Call or visit the City Department of Records, Registrar of Deeds - or similar office in your jurisdiction to find out who owns the vacant lot.

   

• Write a letter asking for permission to garden the land. Be sure to send it “return receipt requested” to the owner, if it is an individual, and include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. The owner will need to send you a signed letter granting permission.

   

• Include a sample letter for return. You will often get a prompt reply if you make it easy for the owner.  Write a professional letter with all pertinent information included that the owner can sign and send back to you. 

• In the case of a lot owned by the city, always identify the appropriate agency holding jurisdiction over it. Call to ask what sort of applications must be filed to get started. Be complete with all the information. Most cities look favorably on city gardens, so don’t let a little paperwork deter you.

• Fencing is important.  It makes a visual boundary that often brings a sense of place and ownership to help mark your space as value.  Try to get some fencing around the garden.   
  
  
• Water is essential.  Contact the local water commission to get permission to use water from the water department.  Fire hydrants can often be used and the fire department may even help people get adapters for the nearest hydrant.

• Finding soil.  When houses are demolished the debris is left in the ground where the basement was.  If the site was a parking lot, the ground below the asphalt will be compacted to the point of being like a rock.  You will have to account for this when you are planning your garden. Almost every site will need soil or compost to a depth of 8".

• Find Local Resources.  Your State’s Cooperative Extension office often has resources available to help people find soil, and they offer technical assistance in planning a community garden.

  Another resource is the city. There is often a recycling center which usually offers free mulch made from wood, leaves and manure.  Starting a neighborhood organic compost pile will also provide soil and nutrients for years to come.