Urban Almanac: Community Gardens

POV: You’re buying a $7 tomato from the farmers market thinking “there has to be a better way.” Well, there is! Community gardens let you get outside, meet your neighbors, and gorge on fresh veggies.

How to get a plot:

1. First, head to the city’s community garden page to find the garden(s) closest to you.
2. Then go to the specific garden’s website to find out how to sign up. Some popular ones are Bruce Monroe, Glover Park, Newark Street, and Virginia Ave.
3. Be patient; the gardens are all managed by volunteers!

Tips:

Some gardens’ waitlists take years. To up your chances of getting a plot, I recommend putting your name on several waiting lists or choosing a garden that’s a bit farther from the city center.

If you can’t find the website for a garden, shoot an email to the point person on DPR’s site to ask if plots are available!

After you are assigned a plot:

• Pay the yearly fee, typically between $20 - $50. Once you're in, you’re in. Your plot will be renewed automatically.
• Sign up for your community work days. These are required for members of the garden to keep up the communal areas, distribute compost, and paint garden beds. Typically, gardens require 10 – 20 hours a year.
• Plant your garden and enjoy its spoils!

Getting a plot in D.C. can be competitive. If your garden of choice is already booked up this year, it’s the perfect time to start planning and get yourself on a waitlist for spring 2024.