If you see a vacant lot in your neighborhood
that would make a great garden, here's how to get started:
- Contact City Hall Dept. of Records to find out who owns the
vacant lot.
- Write a letter with return receipt asking the owner (either
private or city) for permission to garden on the land. You need
to get a signed letter giving you permission. If the lot is owned
by the city, identify the agency with jurisdiction over it. (The
city usually approves of community gardens).
- Try to get some fencing around the garden. The fence will
mark off the area.
- Get permission to use the water from the water department.
Hydrants can sometimes be used and the fire department may even
help people get hydrant adapters.
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Doris Stahl, Director, Urban Gardening Program
 Listen
in as Doris teaches us more about intensive gardening.
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Some tips for getting your garden started:
- Many lots may have no soil because when
houses are demolished the debris is left in the ground where the
basement was. The Urban Gardening Program (Penn State) will help
people find soil. One source is the recycling center of the Fairmount
Park Commission which offers free mulch made from wood, leaves
and manure from the park. The water department also composts solid
sludge to create a product called "earth meat" which
can be used for trees and grass. Mushroom compost is available
from Chester County for the cost of the delivery truck and driver.
- Intensive gardening is recommended for
urban gardens to get the maximum yield
from a small plot of land.
For more resources check out our Links
page
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