The Humanitarian Garden Project

Inspired by the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade's Humanitarian Garden, we hope others will create these gardens in their community. This site is a resource on how to start a Humanitarian Community Garden and the values it embraces.


The Humanitarian Garden Project's 3 Core Pillars:

Preserving and Enhancing Soil

Preserving and enhancing soil is essential for sustainable agriculture and a healthy environment. Soil provides nutrients and a home for plant roots, and is critical for growing healthy crops. To preserve and enhance soil, it's important to use natural farming methods that avoid the use of harmful chemicals, maintain soil moisture, and rotate crops to avoid soil depletion. Additionally, adding organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and fertility. By taking care of the soil, we can ensure that we have a healthy, sustainable food system and protect the planet for future generations.

Growing Food

Growing food to give to those in need is a powerful way to address food insecurity and support local communities. Community gardens and urban farms can provide fresh, healthy produce to individuals and families who may not have access to it otherwise. By growing and distributing food locally, we can also reduce food waste and support sustainable food systems. Additionally, community gardens and urban farms provide a space for people to come together, learn from one another, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Growing food to give to those in need is a win-win for everyone involved, and is an important way to address hunger and promote food justice.

Building Community

Community gardens are powerful tools for building community and bringing people together. They provide a shared space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to grow food, share knowledge, and build relationships. Community gardens can also help promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical activity, as well as provide opportunities for education and skill-building. By working together to tend the garden and share the harvest, community members can develop a sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhood. 

Humanitarian Garden Projects in the US:

Resources

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation: Orchard donations are available for recipients who pledge to care for their trees and utilize them for a charitable purpose.

Save our Monarchs: Get free pollinator and milkweed seeds to save the monarch butterfly.

The Urban Garden Initiative (TUGI): Resources to start a garden.

Growing Hope Gardens: Los Angeles based non-profit building community gardens.

Square Foot Gardening: Method for farming in very small spaces.

Seed Money: Small Seed Grants.

Edible Schoolyard: Resources for School Gardens.

DUG - Denver Urban Gardens: Collective of Urban Gardens. Good information.

Seed Time: Software to manage all aspects of a Garden.

Johnny Seed: Huge library of information (also discounts).

FAO - Setting up School Gardens: Detailed booklet by the United Nations.