Community Gardening
About Community Gardening
The City of Tallahassee is happy to assist residents in the development of community gardens. From victory gardens during World War II to the creation of the Florida A&M Orange Avenue garden, Tallahassee has a long history of urban agriculture. Today, a new energy about local food and healthy living has swept the nation, reaching Leon County in various forms; community organizations, new small businesses, school curricula, community supported agriculture, and a proliferation of farmer's markets.
The City encourages residents to work with their neighbors to build, cultivate, and maintain gardens throughout our community. The benefits are numerous. Not only can a household introduce fresh produce into their diet, but community gardening is an excellent way to build community too! Meet your neighbors. Exchange growing tips with a child. Improve security by taking back a vacant lot.
Staff are available to assist you and your neighbors in establishing a community garden within City limits. Please review the appropriate materials listed below and contact the City with any questions. We are happy to assist in this endeavor. The Community Garden Coordinator can be reached at 850-891-7007 or sustainability@talgov.com.
Find out more about Leon County’s Community Garden program here.
How do you get started?
Public Property Gardens
From time to time, the City may have vacant land suitable for community gardening. Residents interested in starting a garden are encouraged to explore this opportunity by first reviewing the City’s land inventory to identify specific vacant parcels. Once potential sites are identified, groups must contact the Community Garden Coordinator to discuss whether the land is available and appropriate for garden use. Additional information on identifying potential locations and the requirements of the application process are available here.
Private Property Gardens
The City is committed to supporting community gardens on private property whenever possible. To get started, property owners should apply for a Land Use Compliance Certificate (LUCC) with the City’s Growth Management Department. The LUCC confirms whether a community garden is an allowed use within the property’s zoning district under the Tallahassee Land Development Code (TLDC) and identifies any permits needed. The process to establish a private property community garden includes a site visit by the City’s Community Garden Coordinator and entering into an Agreement with the City to ensure the garden operates in accordance with applicable rules and codes.
Resource Materials
The following sources offer a wealth and variety of information. From the initial community organizing to planting schedules for north Florida, these resources will aid gardeners at each step toward a successful garden.
National sources
Regional sources
Local sources
Garden Organization
Technical Resources