The Urban Gardening Program assists Duval County residents in growing vegetables and culinary herbs by providing educational programs, maintaining a demonstration garden, and establishing school and community gardens. For more information contact Mary Puckett by e-mail or by phone at 255-7450.

For general vegetable gardening questions contact a Master Gardener Monday through Friday from 9AM to noon and 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM by phone at (904)255-7450.

Urban Garden Demonstration Site

The demonstration garden is maintained by the Urban Gardening Program Assistant, Urban Gardening Aide and Master Gardener Volunteers.  It provides the latest methods in:

• Vegetable Gardening
• Culinary Herb Gardening
• Edible Flower Gardening
• Hobbyist Hydroponics

It is a great place to learn about vegetable and herb gardening.  To visit the site please contact Mary Puckett at (904) 255-7450 to arrange a date and time.

Community Gardening Program

Community Gardens

Community gardens are another facet to the Urban Garden Program.  There are four UF/IFAS managed community gardens throughout Jacksonville and many others that we assist.  Gardeners agree to adhere to a good faith agreement prior to joining the garden.  Any resident of Duval County is able to obtain a plot to grow vegetables, culinary herbs, or edible flowers.  The plots are given away on a first come first serve basis.

The Urban Gardening Program assists the community gardens by being a liaison between the gardeners and land owners and  provides information, knowledge, workshops, and/or handouts that gardeners need to be successful in establishing and maintaining a community garden.

Community Garden Locations

Duval County Residents that live in the beaches area can apply for a plot at the Beaches Organic Community Garden

Download the Beaches Organic Community Garden Agreement

Download the Beaches Organic Community Garden Regulations

For information on starting a Community Garden and related issues, please refer to our starting kit and other information listed below.

• Starting a Community Garden
• Community Gardening Starter Kit
• Developing Urban Community Projects
• Community Gardens Regulations 2012
• Direct Marketing Regulations
• Cottage Food Legislation

Reasons to join a community garden:

• Don't have anywhere to grow your own vegetables
• Meet new people
• Fresh Food and Improved Nutrition
• Personal Satisfaction
• Exercise and Recreation
• Supplement Food Budget

To inquire about obtaining a plot please contact (904) 255-7450 or mpuckett@coj.net