How much does it cost to establish a food growing project?

A lot of people in London are keen to establish food growing projects, but few are aware of how much money it really takes to make their project a reality.  Now that Capital Growth is supporting a number of new projects, we have been able to receive feedback as to how much people have needed.  There are always going to be specific costs that you may have that other projects may not, such as staffing costs, but take a look at the examples below.  You may be surprised at how little you need!

SOAS Good Food Society Garden
Capital Growth Space 2 (259 square metres)

Budget:

• Scaffold planks for raised beds - free*
• 15 tonnes of compost from a Waste Authority - free*
• Top soil (2 tonnes) - £165
• Screws and metal joiners for raised beds- £30
• Seed trays - £10
• Plastic pots - £20
• Netting for plants - £18
• Seeds and fruit plants - £100
• Wire - £6
• Tools, gloves and watering can - £60

Total so far - £409

Cranbrook Community Food Garden
Capital Growth Space 68 (2,112 metres squared) 

Budget:

• Labour - £0 (all work carried out by local community)
• Tools - £0 (donated)*
• Wood for raised beds - £0 (donated by a scaffolding company)*
• Compost - £34.50 (15 tonnes of composted food waste plus delivery)
• Top Soil - £135 approx. (3 tonnes)
• Manure - £0 (acquired from a City Farm)*
• Plants - £50 approx. (some plants were purchased as we were a little late in the season for seeds)
• Seeds - £10 approx. (some seeds were bought and some were donated)
• Misc - £60 approx (hose pipe plus fittings, netting, screws and other sundry items)

Future costs:

• Greenhouse (10ftx8ft) - £900
• Metal Shed (10ftx8ft) - £550
• Fruit trees & bushes - £150
• Automatic irrigation system - £100
• Patio and pergola - £600

Total - £2589.50

*Spaces that join our campaign are directed to low-cost/free materials and can also take advantage of deals that we are doing with suppliers.  The rest of the resource section may help you with finding reused/recycled materials but by joining our campaign we think you'll get more for your money!  Click here to apply