How to Start a Community Garden: Lessons from University Area CDC's Harvest Hope Community Garden

If you've ever dreamed of starting a community garden, then you'll want to take notes on this episode.

Just north of the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus is an urban oasis: Harvest Hope Park. The 7-acre park is a sanctuary for residents, with a playground, sports fields, fitness stations, walking trail, tilapia fishing pond and more. It all started eight years ago with the park’s first feature: Harvest Hope Community Garden.

Sarah Combs is executive director/CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation, which oversees the garden. Derek Laracuente and Harvest Hope Community Garden volunteer.

Dalia recently visited with them to learn how to garden got up  and running, challenges along the way and advice for anyone looking to start and sustain a community garden.