PRODUCE GARDEN
1CHOOSE
YOUR LOCATION Most produce needs adequate sunlight, proximity to supplemental water, and deep soil that is well-draining. Choose slightly sloped or raised beds for the best drainage. |
2
DESIGN
YOUR GARDEN Organize the plants into raised beds. Vining plants such as cucumbers need more space, while climbers like tomatoes will need supports. |
3INSTALL & MAINTAIN YOUR GARDEN
More traditional gardens usually consist of long, single rows of vegetables that are often widely spaced. Consider starting small and increasing the size of the growing area as you gain experience. |
Materials Checklist
- HAND TOOLS (Tip: borrow from Brightside St. Louis)
- Gloves
- Shovels
- Rakes
- Trowels
- Wheelbarrow
- Trash bags
- Tape measure
- PLANTS
- Plants have different growing seasons, so take note!
- SOIL
- Should be 18 inches deep of healthy and well-draining
- MULCH
- Keep moisture in and weeds out with 2-3" of hardwood or leaf mulch
- RAISED BEDS
- Choose untreated Douglas Fir or Cedar, or masonry for lasting quality
Local Resources
- U OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
Design & Maintenance Tips
THE RIGHT PAIRINGS
Edibles are often organized using companion planting, pairing produce with herbs that attract beneficial insects. Add flowering plants to help pollinators and use fencing to deter rabbits!
USING RAISED BEDS
Place stones, rotting tree logs, leaves and grass clipping at the bottom of the raised bed until it fills up to 1.5ft of the bed depth. This increases drainage while providing slow-release nutrients.
Edibles are often organized using companion planting, pairing produce with herbs that attract beneficial insects. Add flowering plants to help pollinators and use fencing to deter rabbits!
USING RAISED BEDS
Place stones, rotting tree logs, leaves and grass clipping at the bottom of the raised bed until it fills up to 1.5ft of the bed depth. This increases drainage while providing slow-release nutrients.
SAMPLE PLANTING DESIGN
LOCAL PROJECT EXAMPLE
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MAP OF LOCAL PROJECTS
If you would like to add your community greening project to this map, please submit a contact form.
MEET THE TEAM
The Vacancy Collaborative (VC) is a coalition of community representatives, private and nonprofit stakeholders, and City agencies, committed to reducing vacant property in the City of St. Louis. Reducing the negative impact of vacancy is a complex puzzle that requires coordination to achieve a shared vision. The VC is not a stand-alone entity—it was created to coordinate existing vacancy efforts under one umbrella, and to support the public and private sectors in working together toward comprehensive solutions.
The Reinvestment & Reuse Working Group, one of six collaborative working groups, focuses on identifying and promoting financial and sustainable solutions to equitably reinvest in vacant property. Topics include small contractor and rehabber development, financial reinvestment tools and historic preservation, and alternative land uses like those presented in this guide.
The Reinvestment & Reuse Working Group, one of six collaborative working groups, focuses on identifying and promoting financial and sustainable solutions to equitably reinvest in vacant property. Topics include small contractor and rehabber development, financial reinvestment tools and historic preservation, and alternative land uses like those presented in this guide.
Green City Coalition (GCC) is a collective initiative of state, city, community organizations, and neighbors working collaboratively to develop and conserve green spaces that promote healthy, vibrant and engaged St. Louis neighborhoods.
GCC has cooperative agreements with the Missouri Department of Conservation, City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, and Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, with additional members varying by neighborhood, program, or project.
GCC has cooperative agreements with the Missouri Department of Conservation, City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, and Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, with additional members varying by neighborhood, program, or project.
Arbolope Studio is an award-winning Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Public Art practice based in St. Louis, Missouri, focused on creating innovative and impactful landscapes that balance high-quality design, social equity, and environmental resilience.
Arbolope works with a variety of local, national and international clients including universities, institutions, corporations, and communities – at scales ranging from intimate landscapes to large urban plans.
Arbolope works with a variety of local, national and international clients including universities, institutions, corporations, and communities – at scales ranging from intimate landscapes to large urban plans.
If you have questions, comments, or additions for this toolkit, please submit a contact form.
