Community Gardens

A community garden is a neighborhood area used by a group of people to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. The group shares the responsibility of planting, tending and harvesting the garden for their use. Community gardens can improve the image and safety of neighborhoods, bring neighbors together, and help residents access healthy food and be physically active while having fun.

Chula Vista Community Garden Policy
In 2010, the City of Chula Vista adopted a community garden policy that provides a framework for community groups wishing to establish gardens on City-owned, vacant properties. Please view the policy here. For questions about the policy or to have your information added to the City of Chula Vista Community Garden Interest list, please email communitygardens@chulavista.ca.gov or phone the Community Garden help line at 619-409-1958.

Community Gardens in Chula Vista
As of February 2012, there are no community gardens located in Chula Vista that provide garden space to members of the general public. There are, however, a number of school gardens and private community gardens within the City. For more information on school gardens, please contact Brian Kennedy of the Chula Vista Garden Forum, at briankennedy@cvesd.org. In 2011 a number of school gardens received mini-grants for constructing new beds and revitalizing garden areas from the Chula Vista Love Your Block Program. The Love Your Block program also sponsored construction/ revitalization for two community gardens located at senior and affordable housing complexes. Space in these gardens is available only to residents of the apartment communities where the gardens are located. For a map of community gardens in the San Diego area, please see the San Diego Community Garden Network google map here.

Links to Resources:

Local Resources:
San Diego Community Garden Network: A new local nonprofit that acts as an umbrella organization to support the development of new community gardens, the San Diego Community Garden Network is positioned to help new gardens overcome a range of potential hurdles by providing technical assistance and support.
Victory Garden San Diego: Victory Garden San Diego (VGSD) uses its volunteer base to assist in the construction of new gardens around the City. In conjunction with the County of San Diego, VGSD offers classes on starting community gardens, and on vegetable gardening.
Master Gardeners of San Diego: Master Gardeners are trained through the University of California Extension on best gardening practices and techniques for our local San Diego climate. Master Gardener volunteers support school gardens throughout Chula Vista and the county.

Related Programs:
The Chula Vista Naturescape Program: The Chula Vista NatureScape Program offers National Wildlife Federation “Backyard Habitat” certification with a low-water, Southern California twist.
Chula Vista Composting Program: The Chula Vista Composting program offers classes in composting, and sells compost bins to community members at a reduced cost.

Nearby Gardens/ Sources for Inspiration:
Olivewood Gardens: Olivewood Gardens is the Regional Garden Education Center for the South Region of San Diego County. It offers classes for adults and children on its historic 6.5 acre site in National City.
South Bay Botanical Garden at Southwestern College: A volunteer-run garden at Southwestern College in Chula Vista.
Cuyamaca Community College Water Conservation Garden: A botanical garden with a focus on water conservation techniques and cultivating California natives.
Seeds at City College: A teaching garden with a focus on growing vegetables located on the campus of San Diego City College.

Online Guide to Starting a Community Garden:
American Community Gardening Association: Nationwide resource for Community Gardens.
Rebel Tomato Guide to Starting a Community Garden: Perhaps the most comprehensive guide to establishing your own publicly-accessible community garden.