There are a few things every gardener can't live without. We'll go over these items in more detail in the Tools and Supplies sections a little later, but for now here are the basics.

• Garden tools (spade, hoe, fork, shovel, gardening gloves)
• Soil, fertilizer, compost, possibly mulch
• Worms
• Planter containers
• Hose
• Wheelbarrow
• Seeds or seedlings
• Landscaping cloth

If you'll be planting in containers, why not use recycled ones? Can you "rescue" an old toilet from the recycling centre? Can you paint a bunch of old tires and use them as pretty planters? Do it! Can you get your hands on a bunch of old pallets? Pallets can be reconstructed into great planters (and garden furniture for that matter). The only rule when it comes to containers is they have to be big enough to fit the plants that will be grown in them. Other than that, anything goes!

If you need tools and supplies that you can't find through donation, hold a fundraiser! Fundraisers can be a great way to connect with others in your community and draw attention to your garden. Engaging with the community at large is one of the great by-products of building a garden, so why not involve your community right from the get-go?

Give people an opportunity to help, and chances are they'll rise to meet the challenge. You never know who has an extra spade or shovel laying around their shed, or who is moving and needs to get rid of a wheel barrow that's taking up space in their garage. Let the community know that you're in need of specific tools or supplies, and we bet you'll be surprised by how many people will want to help out.

For everything you aren't able to track down from recycled sources or donations, gather an equal amount of funds from each member in your group to buy the supplies you'll need. Keep any leftover cash for discretionary funds, just in case the need arises to purchase something unplanned. Having even a bit of money tucked away will make it easier should something unexpected occur.

If not everyone in the group is able to contribute to the common 'pot', hopefully other group members can make up the difference between them. Those group members could contribute more work hours or some other resource. You'll know what's best for your group, so figure it out as you go. It might also make sense to have one person take on the role of group "treasurer", just to keep track of expenses and cash-flow.