Optimization of Our Community Gardens
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Junior in Aerospace Engineering
Presentation Description/Abstract
Community gardens provide a place where locals can gather, work with their hands, learn new things, and service their community. In places with sandy, acidic soil and a high food insecure population, like here in Central Florida, they also provide infrastructure to cultivate healthier soil and grow nutritious produce abundantly which can be distributed to those in need. Despite the overwhelming benefits of integrating gardens into our communities, very few are still running due to a high price tag and the hours of labor and maintenance involved. Through interviews of the Master Gardeners, a blueprint of the most efficient and cost-effective processes will be documented and filed for future gardens to reference. Master Gardeners from community gardens all over Volusia and Orange County were interviewed via Outlook on the many aspects involved in creating and maintaining a community garden. This involves how the location was chosen, how the land was bought/donated, materials/labor procurement, how funds were raised, how leadership and other internal structures were set up, community involvement, etc. The final report includes the best garden layouts, where to buy materials/labor, best ways to reduce energy usage, sources to find grants/funding in Central Florida, contacts of other community gardens, how to involve the community, and so much more. Having such a blueprint creates a better opportunity for more gardens to begin and flourish, providing our communities with more places to come together and more direct access to fresh produce.
Keywords
community gardens, optimized practices, Central Florida gardening, community engagement
Optimization of Our Community Gardens
Community gardens provide a place where locals can gather, work with their hands, learn new things, and service their community. In places with sandy, acidic soil and a high food insecure population, like here in Central Florida, they also provide infrastructure to cultivate healthier soil and grow nutritious produce abundantly which can be distributed to those in need. Despite the overwhelming benefits of integrating gardens into our communities, very few are still running due to a high price tag and the hours of labor and maintenance involved. Through interviews of the Master Gardeners, a blueprint of the most efficient and cost-effective processes will be documented and filed for future gardens to reference. Master Gardeners from community gardens all over Volusia and Orange County were interviewed via Outlook on the many aspects involved in creating and maintaining a community garden. This involves how the location was chosen, how the land was bought/donated, materials/labor procurement, how funds were raised, how leadership and other internal structures were set up, community involvement, etc. The final report includes the best garden layouts, where to buy materials/labor, best ways to reduce energy usage, sources to find grants/funding in Central Florida, contacts of other community gardens, how to involve the community, and so much more. Having such a blueprint creates a better opportunity for more gardens to begin and flourish, providing our communities with more places to come together and more direct access to fresh produce.