Re: Garden plot size

---

There is no single way to figure this, since in our area some gardens have plots that range from 32 sq ft up to 900 sq ft, but some considerations are:

- plots of the same sq footage so that plot sizes are always 'fair'

- if you want to accomodate folks who 'just want to try out gardening' as well as those who 'are wishing for their own mini-farm' you could have a basic plot (basic $dues) and a 1/2 plot (1/2 the regular $dues) or a regular plot and a mini-plot, again so its fair but you have options

- shape most likely to support sustainable ag methods is a plot no wider than arms can read into to weed from both sides without walking on, ie approx 4 ft wide, by some manageable length, ie 8 or 12 ft long

- could have two foot walkways btwn plots with four ft wide pathways through sections to accomodate wheelbarrow

- consider other potential parts of the garden besides 'plots' such as:

 

* children's play space

* smaller children's plots

* shady sitting area

* water catchment system area

* composting area

* compost crop growing plots

* fruit orchard

* small beds throughout the garden planted with perennials selected to attract beneficial insects

* information kiosk

* demonstration plots

* teaching space, including covered (what is the word, not gazebo, just roof) as outdoor classroom

* mushroom growing area

* butterfly / bird / habitat gardens

* public gathering / performance space (great for parties, weddings, children's reading circles, etc etc)

* "storage" areas for wood chips, straw, other free soil amendments for gardener' use

etc.

 

With all that space, it would be good to take the time to indulge in some public interactive design charettes, include some probono design help, create a master plan, get it critiqued, etc. and try to involve the gardeners themselves in the step by step installation

 

judy tiger

washington dc