City of Indianapolis looks for gardeners to green over 100 vacant lots

More than 100 city plots have been set aside for urban gardening, but participants are required to test for soil contamination. See video report here.

Soil Safety Crucial In Urban Gardening

By Rafael Sanchez
ABC Indiana News
September 29, 2010

Excerpt:

Indianapolis has set aside more than 100 city plots for something not often found in a major metropolitan area: farming.

Indianapolis’ urban gardening initiative is intended to serve as a valuable way to promote local, sustainable agriculture, economic development and community building, 6News’ Rafael Sanchez reported.

As part of the program, six lots are currently being used to grow fruits and vegetables. People selected to be urban gardeners must commit to maintaining the city owned properties for five years.

“You have to think about things like how are going to get water to the site? What are going to do if you can’t get water to the water site? How are you going to engage the community?” said Karen Haley, director of Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability.

Gardening in the city also brings with it unique challenges, including soil that’s often contaminated from previous uses.

“There is a lot lead in urban soil,” said Gabriel Filipelli, a professor at Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis who heads up the school’s New Center for Urban Health. “If grown with caution, you can grow wonderful food.”

Read the complete article here.

See Office of Sustainability’s Urban Gardening Program

City of Indianapolis Urban Horticulture Pilot Program – Rules

Participating organization and individuals (collectively “Participants”) in the City of Indianapolis Urban Horticulture Pilot Program agree to adhere to the following rules and regulations when executing urban horticulture programs on the Plot(s), as defined in Exhibit B:

Plot Maintenance

Participants must consistently maintain the entire Plot throughout the year. Regular maintenance includes: keeping the Plot free of weeds, harvesting all ripe produce and removing all dead or diseased plants. Participants must make arrangements for weeding, watering, and harvesting in their absence. Plots must be maintained for the entire duration of the Agreement, including winter months.

Tools, Trellising and other Materials

Participants may construct storage facilities for tools and other agricultural items; however, the participants are responsible for removing these items and facilities upon the expiration or termination of the Agreement. All items must be stored in a way that does not collect water for a period of time long enough to provide a habitat for mosquitoes. Trellising, stakes, cages and other hardscaping materials are permitted for use during the growing season. Any facility constructed must measure less than 120 square feet, and must comply with all applicable laws, including all local ordinances, state and federal statutes, local, state and federal building, zoning, environmental, historic preservation and safety and sanitary codes.

Plot Neglect/Abandonment

If the Land Bank staff finds that the Plot is not being maintained in accordance with the rules described in this exhibit, City may revoke the license and retake possession of the property in accordance with Section 4 of the Agreement.

Organic Guidelines

Participants shall not use any inorganic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides on their Plot.

Fencing

Participants are permitted to construct fences around the Plot; however, the participants are responsible for removing fences upon the expiration or termination of the Agreement.

Theft and Damage

Participants should report any vandalism, theft or suspicious behavior or activity on their Plot to the Land Bank staff. The City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Land Bank are not responsible for any damage to the Plot, theft of produce or personal belongings in the vicinity of the Plot or elsewhere.

Annual Report

Participants must submit an Annual Report regarding the state of the Plots and urban garden project by the 31st day of December each year. Participants will be provided with the necessary elements to include in the report. City may revoke the license and retake possession of the Plots in accordance with Section 4 of the Agreement if participants fail to submit the Annual Report in a timely and accurate fashion.