.jpg)
Planting Seedlings in a Raised Bed
Download a brochure/application (PDF):
English • Español • Haitian Creole • Português • Tiếng Việt Nam • Cape Verdean
The Build-a-Garden program inspires and supports people to grow food by providing essential material and educational resources. Our approach focuses on raised bed and container gardening and demonstrates that being a producer of food is simple, fun, and rewarding. Every year, we witness the transformative experience that gardens have on participating individuals and families.
Our intention is to share our educational resources and technical support at no cost with all people who are interested in growing food, while continuing to install gardens for low- to moderate-income families in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Lynn, and Gloucester. In order to accommodate our community members’ increasing interest in growing food, we are now offering two levels of engagement within the Build-a-Garden program.
Levels of Engagement
Level 1: Garden Support and Skill Building Resources
Level 2: Garden Materials and Installations
Level 1: Garden Support and Skill Building Resources - Available for the general public
The following resources are available to the general public at no cost. If you are interested in joining the Build-a-Garden newsletter and events email list, please email buildagarden@thefoodproject.org.
- Learn gardening basics such as the square foot method with our Growing Guide
- Build your own garden using our DIY Raised Bed Installation Manual
- Purchase seeds, transplants, and garden supplies at our Plant Sales
- Participate in interactive workshops through our Grow Well, Eat Well, Be Well Series
- Receive monthly garden tips and events calendar updates through our online newsletter
Level 2: Garden Materials and Installations - Application required, specific eligibility criteria apply
Download a brochure/application:
English • Español • Haitian Creole • Português • Tiếng Việt Nam
We strive to provide materials and install gardens at minimal cost for low- to moderate-income families. We have a limited supply of gardens, as they are funded by grants and private donations. Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that families who meet our eligibility priorities have access to an affordable garden.
What You Get:
- Installation of a raised bed or container garden kit filled with healthy soil
- Seeds, plants, and fertilizer for your first year
- One-on-one guidance and direct feedback in your garden
- Access to all of Garden Support and Skill Building Resources
Gardener Expectations:
- Attend a 2-hour introduction to gardening workshop session and complete a post-season survey.
- Plant and maintain your garden on a weekly basis. We generally recommend spending at least 1-2 hours per week.
- While not required, our hope is that participants will become engaged with our programs and other gardeners in their neighborhood.
Eligibility Priorities:
- Residency - residents of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Lynn, and Gloucester
- Financial Need - low- to moderate-income families
- Families with children under the age of 18
For more information about Build-a-Garden, please contact the Build-a-Garden Coordinator at 617-442-1322 x12 or buildagarden@thefoodproject.org. Or visit the Build-a-Garden Blog.
