Growing Healthy People,
Growing Strong Communities
Let's grow together
Do you love....
gardening, sustainability, food equity and healthy living? We do too!
Join a Garden
Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned expert, gardens are always seeking new members. Click below to find a community garden near you!
Come to an Event
Community gardens host an array of events, and we would love for you to join! Click below to find out what's going on near you.
Get Support
Explore our community garden website for a wealth of resources to help you get the most out of your gardening experience!
Why Community Garden?
Live healthy
Community gardens grow fresh organic fruits and vegetables, making them more accessible to participants. This promotes healthier eating habits, provides nutritious chemical and pesticide free options that may not be as readily available in stores, and aids in disease reduction.
Physical Exercise
Gardening itself is a physical activity that can improve fitness levels and contribute to overall well-being. It involves activities such as digging, planting, weeding, and harvesting, which can be excellent forms of exercise.
Mental Health
Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature and put your hands in the dirt, which can have a calming effect on the mind and lasting mental health benefits.
Community Building
Community gardens bring people together from diverse, intergenerational, and cross-cultural backgrounds to create a sense of community. Participants often work together towards a common goal, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging. It also provides an opportunity to get to know your neighbors.
Environmental benefits
Community gardens can contribute positively to the environment by promoting sustainable practices such as composting, reducing food miles (the distance food travels from farm to consumer), and creating green spaces that support biodiversity. It also reduces the carbon footprint and improves the viability of soil.
Educational Opportunities
Community gardens provide a hands-on learning experience about gardening techniques, plant biology, and environmental stewardship. It also educates participants about healthy eating and nutrition and teaches children where food comes from, changing the trajectory of families and future generations.
Improved Food Security
For communities with limited access to fresh produce, community gardens can help improve food security by providing a local source of nutritious food, thereby reducing money spent on groceries.
Beautifies the Neighborhood
Community gardens beautify neighborhoods and provide green spaces that residents can enjoy, often reducing crime and improving property values. They can enhance the quality of life in urban areas by offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Skill Development
Gardening in a community setting allows participants to learn new skills, such as planting, watering, and composting. It can also provide opportunities for leadership and teamwork.
Community Empowerment
By taking an active role in growing their own food, community members gain a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. They become more connected to where their food comes from and can take pride in contributing to their community's well-being.
Flowers grow in flower gardens, vegetables grow in vegetable gardens, communities grow in community gardens.
Join one of our
60 gardens
for your health & community
Our Impact, Together
Testimonials
From Gardeners & Youth
Keep in touch on
Instagram
to connect with the community
We hope to see you there!
Register at 15thstfarm.com under Open House 🌱💚
#cocg #growinghealthypeople #growingstrongcomnunities #quarterlygardenmeeting
Say hello to Nanette, another graduate from our Urban Agriculture Specialist Program, Cohort 2!
Though she admits she’s still learning, her passion for gardening, raising chickens, and building community is clear.
With encouragement and determination, Nanette is digging in and growing her skills—one garden bed at a time. 🌻
The Coalition of Community Gardens has connected thousands with fresh food, education, and purpose over the years. From vacant lots to vibrant spaces — the impact continues to grow. Want to volunteer at a community garden near you? Visit our website — link in bio!
Meet Verlean — a proud recent graduate of the COCG program and a true force for change in her community! 🌱✨
Verlean plans to launch a vibrant community garden with her “Over 50 & Fabulous” group at Fair Oaks Park, at the East Tampa Recreation Complex. Fair Oaks is in an area recognized as a food desert — where access to fresh, healthy food is limited, especially for low-income residents.
Food deserts like Fair Oaks contribute to serious health challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Tampa City Council has acknowledged this issue and is actively seeking solutions, including turning city- and county-owned land into urban farms and community gardens.
Verlean’s passion and dedication are powerful steps toward transforming food access and improving community health. She’s not just growing vegetables — she’s growing change. 🌿💪🏽
#COCGGraduates #CommunityGarden #FoodJustice #EastTampa #FairOaksPark #UrbanFarming #FoodDesertSolutions #Over50AndFabulous #GrowWithCOCG
🌱 Meet Regina Polite, a powerhouse of community leadership and the President of the Healthy 22nd Street Community Garden!
What started as a demonstration project in 2020 has blossomed into a thriving nonprofit under Regina’s leadership. With over 30 front-yard gardens and a mission rooted in food access and community resilience, H22 is now part of the USDA People’s Garden network and a vital member of the Coalition of Community Gardens.
Through workshops, partnerships, and pure determination, Regina is growing more than just produce—she’s cultivating leadership, knowledge, and pride in her community.
Shoutout to Regina for graduating from Cohort 2 with her Urban Agriculture Specialist certification! 🎓👏 Your dedication to food justice and community empowerment continues to inspire.
We’re honored to be a part of this lineup TOMORROW along with the amazing @laicawormss and @theurbanharvest - grab your ticket before they sell out!
#cocg #coalitionofcommunitygardens #growinghealthypeople #growingstrongcommunities #inthegardenweallfam
🌱✨ Be part of something unforgettable!
Join us for a high-energy day of music, art, dancing, and hands-on transformation as we revitalize West Tampa — a neighborhood facing the daily challenges of being a food desert. We’re coming together to create a vibrant space that includes a children’s play area, a community mural, composting stations, and more — all designed to spark change and connection.
But here’s the catch: only 70 volunteer spots are available, and they’re going fast.
Registration is required through The Mission Continues website— don’t wait!
🎉 This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real impact while having serious fun.
✅ Sign up now. Link in bio!
As part of their certification journey, Cohort 2 has been cultivating more than just crops—they’ve been building knowledge, confidence, and community.
