This story is part of our series on community gardens. There are hundreds of community gardens in the New York City area and we’re telling some of their stories. We’ll end the series on Sept. 8 with a live broadcast from Hattie Carthan Community Garden in Bed-Stuy on WNYC. Listen on 93.9 FM or wnyc.org.
More than 550 community gardens are blossoming across the five boroughs, tucked between high rises or blooming in once-vacant lots of land.
These vital green spaces depend on New Yorkers to plant seeds, pick weeds, and harvest the fruits and veggies, but it’s not always clear how people can get involved.
The good news is these neighborhood treasures are public spaces, and most need committed volunteers who are willing to get their hands dirty, even if it’s for just a few minutes a week.
“I think sometimes people don’t realize how much maintenance is required for a community garden,” said Clarisa James, an educator who founded the Garden of Resilience on a vacant city-owned lot in Springfield Gardens, Queens. “Help us take out the garbage, help us with the weeding. It’s as simple as that.”
No community garden is exactly alike, and each has its own leadership structure and specific needs. Some community gardens grow and distribute food and many charge dues. Some have waitlists for plots while others have space available for members willing to put in the work.
In a vast urban sprawl where green spaces are highly coveted, Gothamist spoke with gardeners, volunteers and officials from across the city to lift the veil of secrecy on how everyday New Yorkers can get involved in their local gardens.
Before we get to the goods, you need to know a little background.
Why are these gardens so important?
Each garden exemplifies New Yorkers’ commitment to their communities.
The garden movement began over a half-century ago in Lower Manhattan, which was then home to working-class and immigrant New Yorkers contending with disinvestment and disrepair. As residents reclaimed…
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