Peruse the pages below to find how-to steps for building a campus farm or garden. From finding land and choosing crops to building a strong volunteer base, Campus Farming 101 gives you guidance on managing the people and plants that make your space vibrant.
Securing Land
You can’t grow food without land. Securing space is the first step toward building your growing venture. You may want to file this under “Obvious,…
Permission to Farm
Make sure the right people know you want to grow food, and ask for their support in lobbying your school for access to land. Depending…
Start-up Funding
Growing food takes money. You’ll need more or less depending on your goals, but you can’t enjoy heirloom tomatoes or host community events without a…
Dirty Dirt
Soil contamination is a serious concern, and the only way to learn about your land is to learn its history and conduct some easy tests.…
Planning & Design
As you prepare your soil for planting, take time to plan your physical growing space. Consider your placement of crop rows, physical structures, and social…
Breaking Ground
It’s finally time to get your hands dirty! Plan ahead to make sure you’re clear on exactly whose hands are getting dirty — Student volunteers?…
Planting & Maintenance
Planting and harvesting crops is an art of experimentation, but you can do some homework to ensure the tastiest, healthiest harvests possible. Knowing what crops…
Selling What You Grow
If you want to sell your produce to the campus dining hall or at a farmer’s market, you need a business plan. Before you start,…
Building Community
If you want to sell your produce to the campus dining hall or at a farmer’s market, you need a business plan. Before you start,…