WHAT THIS TOOLKIT GIVES YOU
This toolkit equips communities with the knowledge, structure, and resources needed to grow stronger through sustainable gardening. Inside, you'll find clear strategies, hands-on guides, and action steps you can implement right away.
Step-by-step growing and resilience planning
Tools for community engagement & participation
Seasonal strategies for unpredictable weather
Emergency and climate adaptation practices
Templates, checklists, and planting guides
Garden planning sheets
Templates and mapping tools to design layouts, rotations, and seasonal plans.
Soil health & water retention
Methods to improve soil structure, moisture retention, and sustainability.
Native & climate-adapted plant lists
Plant recommendations chosen for resilience and biodiversity.
Composting, mulching & water collection
Guides for compost systems, mulching practices, and water harvesting.
Climate risk checklist
Assess drought, flooding, and site risk with clear prep steps.
Community coordination
Volunteer management tips, scheduling tools, and coordination guides.
Step-by-step action plans
Clear instructions for site prep, planting, and ongoing care.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE TOOLKIT
SEED VARIETY SHOWCASE
Butterfly Weed – Asclepias tuberosa
Smooth Blue Aster – Symphyotrichum laeve
Hollow Joe Pye Weed – Eutrochium fistulosum
Hoary Mountainmint – Pycnanthemum incanum
Smooth Prickly Pear – Opuntia humifusa
Seaside Goldenrod – Solidago sempervirens
Little Bluestem – Schizachyrium scoparium
Purple Coneflower – Echinacea purpurea
Spotted Bee Balm – Monarda punctata
Explore climate-resilient crops that thrive under changing conditions, selected for yield, adaptability, and community garden success.
HOW TO USE THIS TOOLKIT
Follow these steps to learn, plan, and put your resilience ideas into practice.
Read through the core sections
Start here to understand key resilience concepts and the toolkit's structure.
Use the checklists, plant lists, and worksheets
These tools help you build a practical plan tailored to your site and community.
Put it into action
Gather your community, assign tasks, and start growing — then monitor and adapt your plan.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Climate change is already reshaping how we grow food, store water, and care for our communities. Resilient gardening is not just about plants, it’s about safety, sustainability, and self-reliance.
Builds local food security
Strengthens community networks
Reduces climate-related risk
Promotes soil and ecosystem health
Encourages learning and action
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Our 2025 Summer Youth Interns practiced climate-smart growing through field visits, farm conversations, and hands-on training with community partners.
Featuring Partners
- Nehemiah 10 Community Garden
- Tranquility Farm
- LaGuardia Community Garden
- Riley-Levin Children’s Garden
Facilitators Acknowledgment
- Alexx Caceres
- Nell Crumbley
- Chelsea Encababian
- Corey Blant
You now hold the tools. Plant change — grow resilience.