Page last updated on April 26, 2024 at 12:35 pm
About the Community Gardening Program
Community gardens are a place for all levels of gardener, from aspiring to master gardener. Join us and reap all of the benefits that community gardens offer. Access to delicious, nutritious, fresh food is just the beginning.
Gardeners ...
- experience physical and mental health benefits
- enjoy the sights and sounds of nature
- meet people with a shared interest
- carry out their own food culture
- engage children in experiential learning
- help their families develop healthy eating habits
- learn tips from gardening experts in our classes
- join us at community events
The Bloomington Community Gardening program provides the infrastructure so that you can grow your own food, flowers, herbs and more.
We provide:
- fencing to keep deer and other animals out of the garden
- access to water
- communal tools
- composting
- knowledgeable garden staff who are ready to help you
- a monthly garden newsletter
Garden Plot Rental and Waitlist
All Community Gardening plots are currently reserved. Please place your name on the WAITLIST, and we will contact you should a space become available.
Community Gardening Program Scholarship
Thanks to the generosity of the Bloomington Health Foundation, scholarships for garden plot rental are available to individuals that find the fees a barrier to participation*. We will prioritize applicants who currently receive benefits from government assistance programs. Scholarships will cover half of the cost of a garden plot and are limited to one garden plot per household.
If you’re interested in receiving a scholarship for a community garden plot rental, please fill out this garden scholarship request form with current contact information and a representative from the Community Gardening Program will contact you by email.
*Available while funding lasts.
Hours of Operation
Dawn to dusk, April through October.
Accessibility
The Community Gardening program offers garden plots based on varying accessibility needs. Raised beds are available at both the Willie Streeter and Butler Park locations, and raised beds that are wheelchair accessible are available at Switchyard Park.
Sponsorships and Donations
The Community Gardening program benefits from generous donations from corporations, businesses, groups and individuals in the form of seeds, plants, tools, soil amendments and other supplies, which allow us to keep our gardening opportunities affordable to all. There are a number of opportunities to become a donor to or sponsor of the Community Gardening program. Sponsorships or donations are accepted throughout the year. For more information about making a sponsorship or donation to the City's community gardens, contact Sarah Mullin at 812.349.3704 or email communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov.