See what’s growing in our Washington, D.C. People’s Garden at USDA Headquarters and learn more about People’s Gardens at each of our 17 Urban Hubs, and sign up your local garden today!
Start a People’s Garden
People’s Gardens empower communities to participate in local food production and provide diversity and resiliency to the food supply chain. They also teach about the benefits of sustainable, local agriculture and how gardening can foster community collaboration, provide green gathering spaces, and benefit the environment.
People’s Gardens are different sizes and types based on the needs of the community, and can include school gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and small-scale agriculture projects in rural and urban areas. They cannot be located at private residences.
- Join the People’s Garden community.
- Grow using sustainable practices that benefit people and wildlife.
- Teach about local, resilient food systems.
All gardens located on federal property will donate food to local communities.
Types of People's Gardens
People’s gardens can take many different forms:
Food Gardens
Grow food indoors or outside to increase access and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in urban and rural areas. Don’t forget to donate excess food to a local food pantry.
Wildlife Habitat
Provide food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young. Increase the number of pollinators in your area by making conscious choices to include plants that provide essential habitat for bees, bats, butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Conservation Project
Demonstrate the value of conserving soil, water, air and other natural resources by gardening in a way that prevents erosion, maintains and enhances soil quality, and improves water quality and quantity.
Beautification
Plant a green, beautiful place for your community to gather, enjoy and reflect. Rethink the planting of seasonal annuals and instead design a space with native species of flowering plants to enhance the biodiversity of your community and build a healthier ecosystem.
Education and Training
Teach the next generation of gardeners and hold mini classes like GardenU. Many gardens align garden activities to lessons and subjects being taught in the classroom. Gardens can also be used to offer job training and apprenticeships in forestry, agriculture, landscaping, and culinary arts to those experiencing barriers to employment so they can find and keep a good job.
Learn more
Gardening tips from University of Maryland Extension