Check out the NEW Urban Gardening Program!
With the support of Mayor Ballard, the Office of Sustainability is spearheading efforts to promote urban gardening and sustainable agricultural initiatives in Indianapolis. Urban gardening means different things to different people. Sometimes referred to as an urban farm, an urban garden is an area used to grow food in an urban setting. This can be in your own backyard, in your neighborhood, or in a broader context. Urban gardens are distinct from a traditional rural farm setting that we see producing much of our food.
Urban gardening is a valuable way to promote local, sustainable agriculture, economic development, and community building. Sustainable agriculture is based on the idea that we can meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Urban gardening helps local communities focus on practices that advance environmental wellbeing, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.
Why create an urban garden? Locally grown produce supports Indianapolis communities, ensures high quality and freshness, allows for great variety, reduces transit time from field to table, and creates deeper connections with food.
So what can you do to support urban agriculture?
1. Get involved in a community garden
2. Find a farmers' market in your area
3. Join a community supported agriculture program
4. Set up your own backyard garden
5. Participate in the City's Urban Gardening Program
How the City is Involved
The Office of Sustainability is actively developing new ways to bring city residents together in order to advance urban agriculture. Meeting with farmers' markets, urban gardeners, and interested city dwellers is a priority for improving quality of life for the City of Indianapolis.
The City also hosts an Urban Farming Forum each year. For information about the 2010 forum, held on June 21, visit the Urban Farming Forum page.
Community Gardens
Participating in community gardens is a great way to get to know your neighbors, learn about produce, and provide healthier options for your family.
Community gardens are popping up around the city. Check to find a garden near you!
Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) allows residents to gain access to fresh produce, linking the consumer directly to the farmer. By purchasing shares at the beginning of the growing season, the consumer receives a specified amount of the farmer's crop yield each week. Produce can range from potatoes and onions to zucchini and heirloom tomatoes!
Click here to a list of Community Supported Agriculture Programs
Other Ways to Get Involved
If you aren't ready to start your own garden, there are other ways to get involved. Volunteer opportunities in urban agriculture and gardening are available with various nonprofit organizations in the city. Indy [Grows] Gardens provides information on different urban gardens around the city, as well as organizations with which you can volunteer. If you know of other volunteer opportunities or ways to get involved, please let us know at urbangardens@indy.gov.