If You Are the Gardener

• Review the list of Gardens Available in the part of the County you'd prefer to garden in. 
• Review the Garden Agreement as an example to determine how you'd prefer to handle things before meeting with the property owner; negotiate with the property owner to establish the situation that will work for you.  Remember that the tools of civility can help you.
• Ask the property owner about
  • Whether the space has been used as a garden before (what's the soil like for growing?)
  • Water access
  • Storage for tools
  • A location for a compost pile
  • Risk of deer damage and need for a fence (this may be a deal-breaker for some gardeners!)
• Evaluate
  • Sunlight/shade
  • Soil texture, drainage, depth of topsoil, compact/loose
  • Flat or sloped site
  • Soil contents: a soil test will tell pH level, nutrient levels, and lead or other toxins. Unless you have toxicity concerns, this can be done after you and the Property Owner have decided to work together. (Soil testing available in the Cook County Extension office for $5 or you can mail out for $15)

• What will the property owner require of me in exchange for use of the land?

• How do I find garden space?
  • Review the lists - see the first bullet point at the top.
• Can I bring my dog, use non-organic pesticides, store my tools at the garden?
  • These are negotiable items with your property owner.  Work with that person to come to an agreement on the "Garden Share Memo of Understanding."
• What will the weather be like for this gardening season?
  • Not even the forecasters know that!

            If You Are the Property Owner

• Review the Garden Agreement to determine how you'd prefer to handle things before meeting with the gardener; negotiate with the gardener to establish the situation that will work for you.  Remember that the tools of civility can help you.
• If the issue is important to you, ask the gardener about
  • Bringing pets or children
  • Using non-organic pesticides
• Evaluate your ability to handle a newcomer in your garden space.  If you can, see it as an opportunity to be a good neighbor and get some fresh produce in exchange.  New relationships are not always easy, so refer to the tools of civility on the back of the Gardening Agreement to help you work through any difficulties.

• How will my participation in this program be recognized? Can I be paid for the water my gardener uses?  Or will I just get a share of the garden produce?
  • Answer: The GardenShare program is encouraging property owners to let the gardener use the water they need to keep the garden growing.  It is possible to install a separate meter on an exterior faucet and ask the gardener to reimburse you for the water.  Please be up front with your gardener about it if you make this choice.  Gardeners are asked to share the produce with property owners.
• I don't want my gardener to bring their dog, use non-organic pesticides, store tools at the garden.  How can I make sure this happens?

• o Communicate with your Gardener up front, using the Gardening Agreement as an example to record your choices.