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Download a brochure/application (.pdf):
English • Español • Haitian Creole • Português • Tiếng Việt Nam
The Food Project's Build-a-Garden program provides both new and experienced gardeners with the opportunity to grow their own food successfully and safely in urban neighborhoods. Through raised bed and container gardening, we teach square foot growing methods so that urban gardeners can maximize space, create ideal growing conditions, and have a simple and structured forum for learning the basics.
The program will provide you with:
- A raised bed garden or container garden kit, including soil and compost
- Seeds and transplants
- A printed Growing Guide or Guia de Cultivador
- Workshops
- Additional support by phone, email, blog, and newsletters
Cluster-style Gardens
We work with groups, such as housing developments, interested in creating a common gardening space for residents. The program can provide multiple raised beds, on-site workshops, and assistance throughout the planning and implementation stages of the project.
For groups interested in cluster-style gardens, please contact us directly before completing an application.
Send an email to buildagarden@thefoodproject.org.
How do I apply?
To get started, download one of the documents below and send us your completed application.
Brochure/Application (.pdf): English • Español • Haitian Creole • Português • Tiếng Việt Nam
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive a garden through the Build-a-Garden Program?
All Boston and Lynn residents who are interested in having a garden are encouraged to apply. In Boston, we prioritize applicants with financial need who live in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. No prior gardening experience is required.
Do I have to pay for a raised bed garden?
In order to make the accessible to all, The Food Project requires a minimum contribution of $10 for individuals and families and $25 per bed for organizations. However, we have limited funding so participants who are able to pay more are expected to contribute as much as possible toward the full cost of materials and labor, which is $250 for one raised bed. Those that can make a donation above $250 support the construction of beds for those with limited resources.
What if I don’t have a space to put a garden?
While applicants generally need to have their own space for a garden, The Food Project will try to help find space. When possible, we will try to match you with alternative accommodations in your neighborhood. For this reason, we encourage you to fill out an application to be kept on file even if you don’t have space.
How does the application process work?
Applications are reviewed the year on a rolling basis. We will let you know that we have received your application. Once we have processed it, we will contact you to schedule a site visit. In scheduling site visits, priority is given to residents who live in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Lynn, and to those with financial need.
The site visit will allow us to determine whether or not your location is suitable for a garden and answer all of your questions about the program. Payment is due at or before the site visit, and it will not be processed unless you are approved for a garden at your site visit.
When all slots are filled for a season, incoming applicants are placed on a waitlist. The Food Project installs beds during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and applicants are accepted into the program as space allows.
How can I tell if I have a good site for a raised bed?
The most important factor a successful garden is adequate sunlight; the site must receive 6-8 hours of full sun every day in the summer. Having a water connection nearby is also useful. Once we receive your application, we will schedule a site visit to determine whether or not your location is suitable for a garden.
What are your responsibilities as a gardener?
Gardeners should care for gardens throughout the season (about 1-2 hours per week), and seek guidance as needed. We also encourage participants to attend workshops throughout the year, to pick up transplants and seeds in May, add compost each year, and use the Growing Guide and newsletters as resources. We hope your garden will be used for many years to come!
What if The Food Project is unable to build you a raised bed?
Check out our manual with instructions, prices and pictures of how to do it yourself. If your budget is limited, consider using five gallon buckets sourced from a local restaurant (often at no cost) for a container garden, or building a raised bed frame from reclaimed wood or cinder blocks. Reducing the frame’s height to six inches requires less soil and is still enough depth to grow most crops suitable for raised beds.
The Food Project encourages everyone to take advantage of the general garden support we offer! In addition to our Growing Guide, send a request to buildagarden@thefoodproject.org to receive invitations to workshops and events, and monthly Build-a-Garden newsletters.
More questions? Contact our Build-a-Garden Coordinator:
by phone: 617-442-1322 x12
by email: buildagarden@thefoodproject.org
Or visit the Build-a-Garden Blog.
