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Best Community Gardens In San Francisco

Argonne Community Garden (credit: argonnecommunitygarden.org)

Don't let urban living stop you from having a green thumb. Even if the apartment you inhabit doesn't have any green space, you can still have a garden of your very own. Despite the fog and cold weather, there are plenty of vegetables, fruit and flowers that grow. Community gardens are thriving all around San Francisco. These gardens have nutrient rich soil, tools you can borrow and a self-sustaining cast of characters that put the community into community garden.

Argonne Community Garden
750 16th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 751-0611
www.argonnecommunitygarden.org

Argonne Community Garden is located in the Richmond district of San Francisco. There are about 40 plots, and the current wait is slightly over a year. Members are expected to volunteer time to common areas, garden organically, actively plot and steward your garden and pay your annual membership. Artichokes, carrots, snap peas, lettuces, spinach, rhubarb, asparagus, kale, sage, roses, sunflowers and coastal California natives all grow well in this garden.

Alemany Farm
700 Alemany Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94112
www.alemanyfarm.org

Alemany Farm is a 3.5 acre organic farm located in Bernal Heights not too far from the Alemany Farmer's Market that pops up every Saturday. The farm consists of volunteers that help grow food, educating on local food production while inspiring visitors to start their own garden at home. The regular workdays are the first and third Sundays of the month, the second and fourth Saturdays and Monday afternoons. While you're on a waiting list at another community garden, this is a great place to hone your skills and help out with a good cause.

White Crane Springs Community Garden
7th Ave. and Locksley St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 242-5600
whitecranesprings.org

White Crane Springs Community Garden is located in the Inner Sunset district of San Francisco. It has about 80 plots and community space areas that are maintained by six dozen garden members. Organic gardening and sustainability projects are practiced in the garden including mulching, composting and a cob tool shed with a living roof. There is a wait list, and members are expected to adhere to organic practices, contribute 12 hours per year toward general garden maintenance, participate in garden work days and pay yearly dues. Zucchini, potato, herbs, lettuce, lavender and flowers all grow nicely here.

Potrero Hill Community Garden
San Bruno Ave. and 20th St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 449-0410
www.potrerogarden.org

Potrero Hill Community Garden is located in Potrero Hill with sweeping views of San Francisco including a direct line of sight to Twin Peaks and the Mission. This all organic garden has 51 plots and common areas. Since the garden is in the sunnier side of the city, anything you can grow in a Mediterranean climate does well here. There is currently a waiting list that is several years long, but membership is open to all residents of San Francisco and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Until you get to the top of the list, the garden is open to stroll through and admire the vegetables, fruit, ornamentals and panoramic views.

Fort Mason Community Garden
Fort Mason Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 561-4700
www.fortmasoncommunitygarden.org

Fort Mason Community Garden is located on the site of the original military post garden of 1892 at Upper Fort Mason behind the administration building. This hidden gem currently houses 125 plots that measure 20x5 feet on historic grounds with a spectacular view. In order to be a member, you have to pay your annual dues, attend all workdays, attend the annual meeting, plant at least two seasons a year and follow the garden bylaws. Location is everything, and the current waiting period is seven to eight years. Until you clear the waiting list, it's a beautiful place to take a stroll or have a picnic.

This article was written via Examiner.com for CBS Local Media

 

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