The mission: helping communities grow healthy food.

This article first appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of Northern Gardener magazine. Visit our shop to order this or other available back issues.

STORY ANNA MARHEFKE PHOTOS MINNESOTA GREEN PARTICIPANTS

Since 1988, the Minnesota Horticultural Society (MSHS) has supported community gardeners through its Minnesota Green program.

This community initiative helps a wide range of gardeners, from traditional vegetable gardeners to those involved in low-income housing projects, residential facilities for seniors and individuals with disabilities, schools, neighborhood associations and volunteer groups that maintain public green spaces in parks and churches.

The goals of this program are to connect gardeners with affordable supplies, help create community-oriented spaces throughout the state and support our neighbors in growing healthy food.

Garden coordinators throughout the state are able to sign up for the program in a way that works best for them. Whether it is a membership level that gives them access to just seeds or a membership level that unlocks access to seeds and live plant donations, we work with these community groups to connect them with the supplies they need. Participation fees do not exceed $60, which aims to lower barriers for new community gardens and for groups with limited funds.

“Minnesota Green helped us save costs from seeds donated and allowed us to feel connected to other garden projects throughout Minnesota.” – Kimberly R., Project Food Forest—Prairie Ally

Take Action by Gardening in Your Community

Want to join a community garden or support the Minnesota Green program? Here are three ways you can get involved:

1. Find a community garden near you and sign up for a plot or volunteer for regular maintenance days.
2. Volunteer with Minnesota Green. Pick up plants, help water them and reach out to potential new plant donors.
3. Donate to MSHS to support the continued growth of this program and help make Minnesota greener!

“Getting plants and supplies from this program is so beneficial. We could not have such great variety without Minnesota Green.” – Brenda J., TOV Community Garden

All garden material donations pour in from wholesale growers, nurseries, garden centers, plant sales and individuals. We accept various types of plants, including annual flowers, vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs, native plants and anything in between. Since every garden has unique goals, we aim to accept a diverse array of plants to support the beauty of these gardens.

Minnesota is home to more than 100 community gardens. These spaces bring immeasurable value to our state, providing places for neighbors to connect over a shared interest and activity, creating beautiful spaces to look at, encouraging sustainable growing methods, empowering people to grow their own food and providing accessible green spaces in unlikely locations throughout the state.