Urban Agriculture & Community Gardening

Plants and fence in a community garden

Community gardens promote healthy eating and active living, increase access to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, and enhance community and environmental relationships.

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Get free soil tests

Community gardens and farms located in Ramsey County are invited to apply for soil test funding to evaluate lead salt and basic nutrient levels in their fields. Funding recipients will also receive assistance from the University of Minnesota Extension to understand the test results and develop soil health plans. 

Applications close on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Apply for free soil tests

Resources for community gardens

Join a community garden

Gardening resources & classes/videos

Gardening by topic

Browse the following gardening resources by topic below.

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Soil and compost

Soil

Healthy soil provides nutrients for plant growth. Sometimes soil contains harmful contaminants, especially in urban areas. Learning about your soil is an important step in starting a garden. Review the resources below to learn why and how to test soil.

Soil testing

Compost

Composting is the natural process of breaking down yard and food waste into organic matter. Compost can be added to soil to help plants grow. Consider the resources below for information on backyard composting, food scraps collection and where to get free compost.

Water access

Water access

Water access is critical for garden success. Whether for a community or home garden, there are different options to access water, such as saving rain water, getting nearby municipal water access, or creating an agreement with a nearby land owner.

Saint Paul allows community gardens to access nearby fire hydrants for water. Learn more

Rain barrels capture rainwater that can be used for watering gardens. 

Simple drip irrigation systems collect and distribute water to gardens. 

A nearby property owner may share water access. If an agreement is formed, installing a water meter can make it easy to share the cost.

Tools and seeds

Tools

The Minnesota Tool Library allows members to rent various tools (including gardening tools) for projects. Learn more

Seeds and plant material

Did you know? You can use SNAP/EBT benefits to purchase seeds and plants (for food plants.

Food use, donation and safety

Food use, donation and preservation

Learn how to donate food, reduce food waste and support community access to healthy foods.

Food safety

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Volunteer/connect with gardeners

Funding opportunities