There is so much data to collect and aggregate -- so many possibilities, but what is most important to know?

Here are some ideas that scope out the problem.

Information about community gardens might show up in these places: web pages, newsletter stories, conversations with leaders and gardeners, photos, videos, newspaper articles, archival and library files... [Any other places to look for info on RI community gardens? Specific websites?]

Data that can be collected about each community garden (It is easy to make all these fields, and people can fill in what they want, but maybe some fields can be required). I am working on a form so that volunteers can enter this information for wide sharing.

• Garden name
• location,
• narrative/description -- how it is organized
• sponsor/who owns land
• date started,
• size, [this should be a standard measure -- in sq ft?]
•  # plots,
• size of plots,  [this should be a standard measure -- in sq ft?]
• cost of startup,
• contact,
• how get water?,
• shared equipment?,
• how get extra compost/mulch?
• photos, video links,
• blog, newsfeed (facebook? Twitter?)
• waiting list? (how to join, cost?)
• Food Bank contributions, if any
• Farmers' market connections, if any
• ethnic food aspects (?)
• other?

I can give a rationale for each of these data, but what do you think? There are many ways these data could be used by many different people including funders/foundations, DEM, and people interested in starting community gardens. Sharing info about how common problems such as access to water were solved is also valuable.

Many thanks for your comments.