Guerrilla gardening is a term used to describe the unauthorized cultivation of plants or crops on vacant public or private soils. For some guerrilla gardening adherents it is a political stance regarding land rights or their reform; for others, it is mainly an opportunity to beautify and improve abandoned or bare spaces. Guerrilla gardening can be done either at night with secret missions or openly in an attempt to involve others in the idea of improving the community; regardless of the approach you take, there are basic steps that are important to be able to grow plants in the difficult conditions these gardens find themselves in. Follow the steps below to get started.
Steps
Step 1. Find a suitable plot of land
In most urban and suburban areas, there are many abandoned spaces. You can find them along sidewalks, next to overpasses or ring roads, entrance ramps, between buildings and in many other places. Plant near a water source if water is a problem. You don't need a lot of land.
Can't find a place to plant? Create one. Attaching containers to lampposts or railings can add a pop of color to an otherwise lifeless area
Step 2. Take note of the soil conditions
It will almost certainly take some preparation before getting started. Do you need to remove weeds, trash or other types of litter? Is the soil rocky, clayey or mostly earth?
Step 3. Decide which plants to use in your garden
It is a critical step; the choice you make has a huge effect on your garden's chances of success. Here are some suggestions:
- Select hardy plants that can grow even without much care. You probably won't be able to easily water, weed, and fertilize the garden in the same way you would if you had been in your home. Choose plants that withstand changes in watering style and other care. Xeriscaping goes hand in hand with guerrilla gardening.
- Choose plants that grow naturally in your area. Native plants are a good ecological choice, they will not try to conquer other parts of the habitat. They will also be suited to the amount of sun and rain, changes in temperature and other climatic factors.
- Make a note of the condition of the lot you want to grow. For example, is it very shady or does it get a lot of sun in the morning or afternoon? Make sure you get plants that are suitable for the light, moisture and soil conditions.
- Choose cheap plants. Keep the expensive ones for guarded gardens. A guerrilla-style garden is prey to vandals, animals and more. Choose plants that you can easily replace.
- Choose plants that make an impact, which will be green and vivid and will make a difference for as much of the year as possible. Also consider plants that create a habitat for butterflies, birds, and other species.
Step 4. Plan your first mission
Decide when, with whom and what you will need to work (plants, tools, water, fertilizer, etc.). Set a real date to start work.
Step 5. Group all the material
Some of the things you will need:
- Plants - get enough of them to cover your ground. You can buy them in the store, or for a cheaper but time-consuming alternative, start growing the sprouts at home. Transfer them to the garden when they are ready so that you have a better chance of survival.
- Tools - make sure you have what you need to work: rakes, hoes, shovels, gloves, wheelbarrow, etc.
- Water - Bring some water to help your plants get started. Unused petrol cans have excellent closures and are easy to transport.
- Fertilizer - you may want to add some fertilizer when planting your garden; Do not use chemicals that you would not want to find in the aqueduct.
- Trash Bags - You will probably have to take trash and weeds out of the place.
- Transportation - Unless the garden is right next to your house, you need to be sure you have a vehicle or something to take everything to the place, and then back home.
- Signs - letting people know what you planted could make them better disposed towards the place, thus preventing them from walking on it (or making their dogs use it as a toilet)
Step 6. Start your garden
- Get rid of weeds, litter, and more
- Prepare the soil for planting. Dig and / or oxygenate depending on what you need.
- Plant / wet your plants
- Clean the area thoroughly before you leave. Don't leave garbage, weeds or anything else that gives a bad image of guerrilla gardening.
Step 7. Come back to take care of your garden
Planting it is only a small part of the job. It is your responsibility to water it, keep it weed free, and generally keep it (although there's nothing wrong with encouraging others to help you).
Step 8. Spread the word of this unique and eco-friendly technique to improve the community
Feel free to leave small signs or anything else in your garden to encourage others in the community to water and help you care for the garden.
Advice
- Consider the potential use of the area before planting unless you want to do something symbolic and don't really care what will happen to the plants. The vine and fig plant near the military fence pictured above, for example, is likely to be destroyed for security reasons as soon as they grow enough to obscure the view or provide a hiding place for a potential intruder (or sooner, as part of maintenance. road).
- For hard to reach places, you can make seed bombs by mixing seeds and clay with fertilizer. You can pull them where you want them when the conditions are right to grow new plants.
- If you don't have a lot of time to care for your plants, tulips are a great option. You buy bulbs in bulk somewhere. If you use a cordless drill with an auger bit, you can easily plant 100 bulbs in less than half an hour.
- Consider setting up birdhouses for native species. Not only will they add a touch of life to the place, but the birds will help keep insects in check.
- Think about using local plants whenever possible. Many garden plants can acclimate and become exotic weeds (e.g. kudzu, ivy, wisteria, bamboo, etc)
- There are many communities online and around the world (especially in the U. K., the USA and Europe) dedicated to guerrilla gardening. They can be an incredible source of information and a fantastic way to interact with others who share a vision of a greener world.
Warnings
- Entering private property is against the law. However, some owners may have nothing against your garden. Try asking for permission before taking an abandoned lot under your wing.
- Check your local statutes to see if your garden is legal. In some municipalities it is against the law, while in others it is not.
- It may not be a good idea to eat plants - or their products - that are planted in public places. The soil could be contaminated. If you are aiming for crops, a soil test can be done by any university, or other agency. These tests will ensure that you are not eating lead or worse poisons along with your products, and they are usually free or inexpensive.
- Don't plant anything that is locally referred to as a toxic weed. This type of weed varies from area to area, and includes plants that are dangerous, invasive or harmful to local wildlife.
