COMMUNITY GARDENS

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s Community Gardens Program facilitates the creation and management of community gardens in Sarasota County to support community development and sustainable local agriculture. Community gardens provide many benefits to gardeners and the community, including:

• Supporting urban agriculture
• Promoting a sense of community
• Reducing food costs
• Improving health and nutrition
• Enhancing recreational opportunities

Getting into Gardens

Community gardens are popular places, with members eager to welcome friends, neighbors and others interested in not only growing produce but in learning about gardening and sharing their gardening experiences. Learn more about how you can join this community of growers, or start a garden in your area, by visiting our information page, calling 941-861-9900 or emailing sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.

If you are already a program member, you can save your time and resources by skipping the classroom orientation session and instead viewing the information in our new video series. Please note that link will take you to an event page where you'll need to register, which will allow us to note that you have completed orientation.

For gardeners in our programs and those just working the soil on their own, we're preparing videos on a variety of topics. Our first video focuses on methods for "Putting Your Garden to Bed" for the season, and how that will help keep weeds at bay. Check this site regularly for new videos.

Community and Demonstration Gardens in Sarasota County

Take a virtual "tour" through one or more of Sarasota County’s shared gardening spaces, with a our "Community and Demonstration Gardens Story Map."

The “story map” tool, available via computer, tablet or smartphone, highlights the locations of various gardens, links to venue information, and provides history of the gardens and photos of resources at each site. The tool helps showcase how gardens serve as community connection spaces and areas to grow fresh food, support sustainable landscaping and native wildlife, and much more. And, it offers an accessibility option for individuals who otherwise might have difficulty visiting these spaces.

Grant Programs

Please check individual grant program sites for details regarding funding availability and grant deadlines.

• Sarasota County Neighborhood Grants
• American Public Gardens Association