Renting land/garden plot: Need more room!

[Hastings]

So, I've quickly come to the realization that I have more plants and motivation than land to plant all of the seedlings that I have grown. How do I go about exploring my options about renting land or a garden plot in my community to supplement my original gardening space? I do live in a very rural area and I drive by stretches of land, thinking "Man, I could plant a ton of tomatoes there!", but I don't know how to network myself to the people who potentially own land that would be available. How do I bridge this gap? Thoughts? Your experiences? And how does it work with using their watering source? Thank you!

[tam91]

Well I just got an extra garden this year just by asking. I stopped in at a local place with tons of land, and asked if they had a spot anywhere I could use - that I'd be glad to pay, share tomatoes, or both. They are curious about the heirloom tomatoes, so gave me the spot for free.
I guess I'd just ask people who have a lot of land, worst they can do is say no (took me a while to work up my nerve though).

[feldon30]

Originally Posted by Hastings

So, I've quickly come to the realization that I have more plants and motivation than land to plant all of the seedlings that I have grown. How do I go about exploring my options about renting land or a garden plot in my community to supplement my original gardening space? I do live in a very rural area and I drive by stretches of land, thinking "Man, I could plant a ton of tomatoes there!", but I don't know how to network myself to the people who potentially own land that would be available. How do I bridge this gap? Thoughts? Your experiences? And how does it work with using their watering source? Thank you!

I must have some distorted vision of Nebraska. I thought everyone had 5 acres.
I do wish you good luck finding someone or a community garden that will give you the space you want.

[Boutique Tomatoes]

I'd also suggest talking to area farmers. Even if they don't have a spot to offer, they may know of people with small plots of land they'd like farmed that simply aren't worth it for them to farm with their big equipment.

My in-laws dairy operation farms a lot of land previously owned by families who've long quit farming, yet hang onto the house and a few acres around it. The owners frequently want a small field near the house farmed to keep it in the agriculture tax rate, yet it's just not worth it in time and fuel to work it. (they try to do it just to be neighborly)

[stonysoilseeds]

you also should check about community gardens in your area besides the extra space for growing more vegetables it would be a great experience to be with other gardeners to share and exchange garden wisdom

[Hastings]

I must have some distorted vision of Nebraska. I thought everyone had 5 acres.

Oh, how I wish for 5 acres! Right now, that seems like that's all I ever wanted. My gardening dreams come true!

Stonysoilseeds: Right now, I'm checking into the possibility of a community garden. I saw one advertised on a bank's marquee. Most people do have backyards, so this may be the only one.

If I'm able to find someone willing to let me use some unused land, is it just worked out between me and the other party about water that's used? If it's a farmed area, there's not going to be a place to hook up a garden hose.

[Doug9345]

Water is going to be a good question. Around here most rural houses are going to be on a well and are going to have limited capacities. A dairy farm might be the exception as cows are large water users. I don't know how it works in the midwest.

[stonysoilseeds]

you migt cosider placing a classified ad in a local paper or pennysaver.. i think you might ged some response possibly by just offering them some of your delicious hierloom vegetables in exchange for land use where i live we have a rural service were we have a plot of land designated for needy families and people wo live in housing wih no land to grow food possibly you can ceck with your town offices if there are some plots available for your needs

[tam91]

The extra gardens I have this year are on properties with wells, they have no problem with me using the water.

[Tracydr]

Check Indian Affairs, too. Every year they lease large amounts of farm land. We used to lease 180 acres for grazing. Had two nice ponds on it. They had land of all sizes on that auction. I think the auction was for two year leases. The acreage we got adjoined our property, we just added a gate and our land was suddenly enlarged.
It was sort of a super secret auction. Took me awhile to figure out how to get in on it.

[Dukerdawg]

Although I never followed through on it a few years ago I place an ad on Craigslist and got a few phone calls. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[pdxwindjammer]

This year I have just asked my friends to grow out my heirloom plants. In return, they had to agree to record the date of the first ripe tomato and also let me pick several tomatoes from each plant. I now have 3 people who will take 10 plants each.

We have a facebook page for our community garden. I posted the same offer on that page and have 4-5 people who will be growing out my babies and giving me fruit from each of them. This is much easier since they are closer than my friends are.

[kenny_j]

Hastings, Having spent my childhood summers on my grandparents farm, near Hastings, I know that most of those rural folks are kind hearted and friendly. I would think by asking and arranging to share some of the produce, especially after explaining the wonderful world of heirlooms, would get you an in on 7 out of ten inquries. Hastings is a small town with farmfields every where with in 2 miles of downtown. Go for it!!!!

[k3vin]

Hi Hastings,

You might want to try putting up an ad at the local gas station - preferably the one where all the retired farmers go to have morning or afternoon coffee. Offer garden produce in exchange for use of a garden area.

Kevin

[dice]

You could look for ground of uneven elevation that has some trees
on it. There is probably a spring close by, maybe near an old
homestead that has an overgrown garden plot behind it.