In the heart of Hillsboro Oregon, where concrete dominates and green spaces are a rarity, there lies a story of resilience, community, and the transformative power of gardening. It's a story about Maria, a woman with a deep love for plants but without a patch of soil to call her own.

Maria's desire to cultivate her own garden seemed out of reach, given the lack of space in her studio apartment. But she wasn't about to let that stop her! Determined to share her love for plants with her neighbors, Maria embarked on a mission to inspire more green spaces in her neighborhood.

Her first step was to secure donations of seeds from local shops. She called around to nurseries, grocery stores, and local farms to collect as many packets as she could for free. With these seeds in hand, she crafted little care packages of seed bombs and began distributing them to anyone on her street with a yard. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, with many expressing their shared interest in starting a garden of their own.

One neighbor, Rashawn, stood out to Maria. Rashawn had always dreamed of having a garden but felt overwhelmed by the process. She just didn't know where to start. Inspired by Rashawn's enthusiasm, Maria proposed a partnership: they would create a garden together in Rashawn's front yard and split the produce. This was a win-win! 

As they worked side by side, planting seeds and nurturing their garden, neighbors would often stop by to watch the process and ask questions. This is when Maria and Rashawn realized they could do more than just grow their own vegetables. They could educate their community about gardening as well. And, the idea of offering gardening classes was born.

The next growing season they posted flyers and invited their neighbors to join them for gardening tutorials on the first and third Saturday of the month. These classes not only taught valuable skills but also brought the community closer together.

Today, even with limited garden space, Maria's block is a green oasis, with flower pots flourishing where there was once only concrete. Her neighbors share not only produce but also seeds, knowledge, and a sense of pride in their shared accomplishments.

Maria's story serves as a powerful reminder that you don't need a lot of space to make a big impact in the world of radical gardening. Her journey shows us that with determination and creativity, anyone can become a leader in their community's green movement. Whether you have a small balcony, a windowsill, or a community garden plot, there are countless ways to cultivate change in your neighborhood. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Start Your Own Garden:

Of course, starting your own garden is a rewarding way to connect with nature and produce your own food. Consider container gardening on a balcony or patio, or use vertical gardening techniques to maximize space. For example, you could grow herbs in a hanging shoe organizer or plant strawberries in a vertical tower. These small-scale gardens can provide fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables for your meals, reducing your reliance on store-bought produce.

2. Offer Gardening Classes:

Sharing your gardening knowledge with others can be a fulfilling way to build community and promote sustainable practices. You could offer classes on topics such as composting, organic pest control, or starting a garden from scratch. As a pro tip - team up with your local community centers, schools, or libraries to attract even more interest. And get creative! It doesn't always have to be about growing your own food. For instance, you could teach a workshop on planting pollinator-friendly flowers to educate others on the importance of supporting local wildlife. There are many ways to cultivate a thriving food ecosystem. 

3. Give Away Seed Starts and How-To Guides:

As we learned from Maria - Providing seed starts and instructional guides can inspire others start their own gardens. You could create seed packets with easy-to-grow plants like zucchini, tomatoes, or lettuce, along with a simple guide on planting and caring for them. Hosting a "Seed Swap" event where community members can exchange seeds and gardening tips can also be a great way to encourage others to start gardening. Or, create a seed swap shelf at your local library where people can borrow seeds for free. Give them the resources and spark their curiosity! 

4. Share the Harvest with Your Neighbors:

Sharing your surplus produce with neighbors is a great way to build relationships and reduce food waste. You could organize a neighborhood produce swap or set up a community fridge where people can donate and take what they need. Another idea is to create a "Garden Share" program where neighbors can sign up to receive weekly deliveries of fresh produce from your garden. This not only promotes healthy eating but also strengthens community resilience.

5. Donate What You Can't Eat:

Donating excess produce to local food banks or community organizations is a meaningful way to support those in need. You could also consider starting a gleaning program where volunteers collect leftover produce from local grocery stores or work with local farms to collect produce that would otherwise go to waste, then donate it to a local food bank or shelter.

6. Volunteer for Food Equity Nonprofits:

Volunteering for organizations that work towards food justice can have a significant impact on your community. You could help distribute fresh food, advocate for policy changes to improve food access, or assist with community gardening projects. For example, you could volunteer at a local food bank to help secure donations, or sort and distribute fresh produce boxes to your neighbors. Get in touch with your local Food Not Bombs chapter, or find an organization like Growing Gardens and build accessible raised garden beds for local community members. 

7. Advocate for Culturally Relevant Foods at Your Local Grocer:

Advocating for diverse food options at your local grocery store can help promote food equity and support local farmers. You could start a petition or write letters to encourage your grocery store to stock more culturally relevant foods. Inspire local gardeners to cultivate culturally specific crops. Or work with local farmers to host a farmers' market in your neighborhood, showcasing a variety of culturally relevant produce and products.

8. Offer Educational Tours of Your Local Farmers' Market:

Educating others about the benefits of buying locally can help promote sustainable food practices. You could offer guided tours of your local farmers' market to educate people about where their food comes from and how it's grown. For instance, you could partner with local farmers to provide information about their farming practices and the benefits of buying locally. 

9. Collect Discarded Produce and Make Food to Share:

One impactful way to reduce food waste and contribute to the radical gardening movement is by collecting "ugly" produce that is typically discarded by grocery stores. This produce may not meet the aesthetic standards of supermarkets but is still perfectly good to eat. By collecting this produce, you can transform it into delicious and nutritious foods such as juices, jams, soups, sauces, or dehydrated food powders. Preserving these foods not only reduces waste but also provides a valuable resource for your community. You can offer these preserved foods to your neighbors, creating a culture of sharing and sustainability. By sharing these foods, you can not only reduce food waste but also promote the use of locally sourced, seasonal produce, fostering a deeper connection to the food we eat and the land it comes from.

10. Offer Cooking Classes:

If you have a knack for cooking, consider sharing your skills by teaching classes focused on using lesser-known or underutilized produce. These classes can help introduce people to new ingredients and cooking techniques, encouraging them to incorporate more variety into their diets. For example, you could teach a class on preparing dishes with uncommon vegetables or fruits found at local markets, showcasing their flavors and versatility. By teaching others how to cook with these ingredients, you can not only promote healthy eating but also support local farmers and reduce food waste.

11. Offer to Manage Gardens for Others:

Extending the benefits of gardening to diverse communities is essential for creating a more equitable food system. You could offer to manage gardens for those who may not have the time or resources to do so themselves, such as apartment complexes, halfway houses, senior homes, schools, or correctional facilities. For example, you could collaborate with a local school to create a garden where students can learn about food production and sustainability, or work with a senior center to establish a garden that provides fresh produce for residents. By managing gardens for others, you can help address food access issues and promote a more sustainable and inclusive food system.

In conclusion, there are many ways to get involved in the radical gardening and food sovereignty movement. Whether you start your own garden, offer gardening classes, or volunteer for food equity nonprofits, your efforts can make a real difference in creating a more equitable and sustainable food system. So, roll up your sleeves and join us in cultivating change!