How to Maximize Your Garden

 DEVELOP A FULL CYCLE, FOOD SYSTEM STRATEGY |

Community impact will be greater and efficiencies will increase when all aspects of the food cycle are strategically linked. Organizations are encouraged to think creatively and broadly about how to link specific aspects of their urban agriculture strategy.  NETWORK WITH THE COMMUNITY | Encourage growers to join as many local groups, learning, and/ or professional networks as possible, especially in the quieter winter months. This can be a great way to build professional/technical knowledge while promoting efforts and potentially engaging new partners or resources to support the work.

Example of a Strategic Food Cycle

USE EXTRA PRODUCE FROM THE GROCERY STORE IN THE FREE MEALS PROGRAM COMPOST EXTRA FOOD SHELF ITEMS TO CREATE SOIL

SELL CROP IN THE GROCERY STORE

SAVE SEEDS FROM FOOD BANK PRODUCE

PLANT THE SEEDS AND TEND THE CROP

Evaluation Practices

FROM the PARTNERS

The need for a data collection, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement cannot be stated strongly enough. It’s important to have information that shows how well programs are driving intended outcomes, how satisfied stakeholders (community members, volunteers, etc.) are with their experiences, and a record of year-to-year practices to evaluate and build upon for program success.

Here are a few ideas from each partner regarding their data collection processes:

BakerRipley

 Executes surveys that measure satisfaction and program outcomes such as knowledge gained, skills acquired, and self-reported changes to behaviors  Is mindful to not “over-survey” neighbors and to focus the evaluation on program areas where they anticipate the greatest direct influence on program goals  Conducts a post-program survey at the end of Farm Club program operation periods, usually twice per year  Does not evaluate informational sessions open to the public because these diverse groups typically represent various reasons for attending (from curiosity to enthusiast)

Pillsbury United Communities

 Sets goals for the farm or garden before the season starts, identifying milestones to celebrate with the community and farm workers

 Puts a huge emphasis on record keeping whether it’s through apps, spreadsheets, and notebooks; experts recommend recording the weather, harvest amounts, how crops are faring, thoughts to remember for next year, what pests/beneficials are found at the farm, and who volunteers at or visits the farm

 Reviews all records again during the winter to identify trends and potential improvements

“I record every variety we plant, the amount, and how they grow throughout the season. This helps me to understand how I want to do it next year. For example, I’ve noted: ‘Next year I will only plant five zucchinis instead of 15 because this year there were way more than I could ever sell!’ I also like to record how I feel during the season. It helps me prepare better, informs my self-care strategies in the future, and helps keep expectations in check.”

—Michele Manske, farm coordinator, Pillsbury United Communities

Data Points to Consider Capturing

OUTPUTS OUTCOMES

Measuring outputs is important for scaling the effort, making adjustments for the future, and ensuring resources to support ongoing efficacy. Measures can include:  Community workshops, events, courses and the number of participants attending each  Number of community member/farm club participants  Number of people fed  Number of community partners participating  Pounds of food grown  Pounds of food donated  The number and frequencies of various ecosystem services provided (For example: higher ground water infiltration, more pollinator habitat, no chemical use, recycling of food waste)  Revenue generated by entrepreneurial efforts  Number of engagement activities hosted In addition to measuring outputs, success can be articulated by the impact the community. Measures can include:  Access to healthy food  Food production  Confidence in managing/improving health  Nutrition knowledge  Urban agriculture skills (or cooking/growing/harvesting skills)  Community engagement  Community connections and relationships  Application of knowledge and skills gained Don’t overburden yourself, and your stakeholders, by tracking and surveying a vast variety of metrics. It’s best to be purposeful and regimented in tracking data over time and using the insights to inform future decisions. Be judicious and focus on the metrics you are most likely to act upon.

Final Recommendations

There are many reasons to pursue urban agriculture strategies and various approaches to execution; however, BakerRipley and Pillsbury United Communities urge the following, regardless of the organization’s intent or approach:

Develop a thoughtful, intentional long-term strategy before getting started Do not re-create the wheel or work in isolation; collaborate closely with others in the community Co-create the vision and strategy with your community members early in the process

Be creative and holistic about the ways you leverage your urban agriculture strategy

Laying out a strategic plan that has been thoughtfully developed by community members and partners will ensure ongoing success and serve as the foundation for greater community health and wellness.