February 28, 2018 Community Garden Sustainability Evaluation Tool (CGSET) Garden Name* Garden Location* Year Established Your Name(s)* Email* Your role at the garden HiddenYour role at the garden 1. Our garden feels pressure that it may need to move to a new location within the next 5 years.* Yes No Unsure 2. Garden participants have opportunities to contact garden leaders and share ideas.* Yes No Unsure 3. Our garden has support from neighborhood organizations and/or local governing bodies.* Yes No Unsure 4. The majority of garden participants live within walking distance of the garden.* Yes No Unsure 5. Our garden has an invasive weed, such as Japanese Knotweed, that affects our productivity.* Yes No Unsure 6. Our garden has money put aside for emergency use.* Yes No Unsure 7. Our garden has access to sufficient tools.* Yes No Unsure 8. The rules of the garden are posted where visitors can see them.* Yes No Unsure 9. Our garden has access to a reliable water source.* Yes No Unsure 10. Our garden’s soil is currently capable of growing healthy food plants.* Yes No Unsure 11. There is a secure place at the garden to store materials so that they cannot be stolen or vandalized.* Yes No Unsure 12. Our garden has liability insurance that covers activities at the garden.* Yes No Unsure 13. Our garden regularly uses AT LEAST TWO (2) of the following to communicate with gardeners: bulletin board, email, postal mail, phone, website, social media (ex. Facebook).* Yes No Unsure 14. All garden participants (ex. members, bed-holders, volunteers) have agreed to a list of expectations.* Yes No Unsure 15. Our garden’s soil is tested AT LEAST every TWO (2) years to assess soil health.* Yes No Unsure 16. Our garden has a documented long-term strategy/strategic plan (extending beyond one year).* Yes No Unsure 17. Our garden has a budget that is maintained by at least one designated member.* Yes No Unsure 18. Our garden has a process for re-assigning beds that are untended.* Yes No Unsure 19. Our garden actively seeks donations of funds and/or materials.* Yes No Unsure 20. At the garden, there is a sign that is visible to passersby that explains how to make contact and get involved.* Yes No Unsure 21. Our garden has a compost pile that is regularly maintained and utilized.* Yes No Unsure 22. Our garden has a functional rainwater collection system connected to a downspout.* Yes No Unsure 23. Our garden has a process for supporting gardeners who are struggling to maintain their beds.* Yes No Unsure 24. If there is a problem at the garden, the garden leadership is proactive in responding to it.* Yes No Unsure 25. Our garden uses season extension techniques (such as row covers, cold frames, etc.).* Yes No Unsure 26. There is a process for orienting new participants to the garden.* Yes No Unsure 27. Gardeners feel safe at the garden site.* Yes No Unsure 28. Our garden has pest management strategies in place.* Yes No Unsure 29. Our garden has access to knowledgeable vegetable growers.* Yes No Unsure 30. Our garden allows only organic fertilizers and pesticides.* Yes No Unsure 31. Our garden tracks the number of attendees present at garden-related events.* Yes No Unsure 32. Our garden leadership holds AT LEAST THREE (3) sit-down planning meetings each year.* Yes No Unsure 33. Our garden leadership shares news with garden participants and neighbors several times per year.* Yes No Unsure 34. Garden participants reflect the overall demographics of the neighborhood.* Yes No Unsure 35. There are regular opportunities for garden participants to hold leadership positions.* Yes No Unsure 36. Our garden consistently tracks the amount of produce grown and/or donated.* Yes No Unsure 37. Our garden has a process for donating produce to food banks, churches, neighbors, etc.* Yes No Unsure 38. The mission/purpose of the garden is posted where visitors can see it.* Yes No Unsure 39. Our garden holds open-to-the-public community events AT LEAST ONCE a year.* Yes No Unsure 40. Our garden currently uses all available garden beds.* Yes No Unsure 41. We are able to afford our yearly garden costs.* Yes No Unsure 42. The garden's neighbors (including residents and business owners) are engaged and supportive.* Yes No Unsure 43. Our garden uses cover crops to improve soil and reduce erosion.* Yes No Unsure 44. Our garden has a written agreement with the landowner allowing the land to be used for gardening.* Yes No Unsure 45. Since the beginning of my involvement in the garden, I have seen growth in the number of participants.* Yes No Unsure 46. Within the past year, vandalism and/or theft has SIGNIFICANTLY limited the success of the garden.* Yes No Unsure 47. In the past year, damage from pests and animals made a SIGNIFACNT impact on our garden.* Yes No Unsure 48. There are more than THREE (3) garden leaders who regularly attend garden meetings, work days and events.* Yes No Unsure Additional CommentsUse this space to provide feedback on the quiz itself or your garden's sustainability.
