GrowBoston

GrowBoston is the City of Boston's new Office of Urban Agriculture.

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GrowBoston's goal is to increase food production and support local food producers in Boston, including gardeners, farmers, beekeepers, and more.

Fill out our public comment form or email us with your questions and ideas.

Public comment form

Contact

617-635-3880
send an email
12 Channel Street
9th Floor

Boston, MA 02210
United States
HOURS

Weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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About

GrowBoston builds on the long-term work of the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH). MOH, through the Grassroots Program, has been supporting the development of. community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces through land disposition and capital funding for more than 25 years.

GrowBoston will be working to increase community gardens, urban farms, and other food-growing spaces throughout Boston. We will support the implementation of innovative food production strategies, such as rooftop growing, vertical growing, and hydroponics.

We provide technical help to prospective and existing gardens and farms. Our team develops educational and other food production resources for gardeners, farmers, and residents. We partner with sister agencies to leverage public facilities to increase food production. We also coordinate with other City departments to make food production more accessible in Boston.

Recent Updates

Urban Farmer Survey 2023

GrowBoston is excited to learn more about Boston's urban farmers and how we can assist them.

For the purposes of this survey, we're defining farmers as individuals who produce food with the intention of distributing to others through sale or donation. These people may be professionals or volunteers. Please fill this out whether you are a current urban farmer or a former urban farmer.

This is a quick survey that should take no more than 10 minutes. Respondents may complete and submit this survey anonymously. We are gauging interest in professional development, technical assistance, and other resources.

Fill out the survey

GRASSROOTS OPEN SPACE PROGRAM FUNDING

GrowBoston is seeking proposals for capital funding to support the creation of or improvements to urban farms, community gardens, food forests, and passive open spaces. GrowBoston expects to make awards of up to $100,000 to eligible 501(c)3 nonprofits. Projects must serve low- and moderate-income individuals. The proposal deadline is April 4, 2023 at 4:00pm.

VIEW THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

GRASSROOTS YOUTH LEAD THE CHANGE SPRING FY23 FUNDING

GrowBoston is making up to $250,000 available to support the creation of and improvements to urban farms, community gardens, food forest, or other food producing projects that engage youth. The capital grants of up to $100,000 are available to eligible 501(c)3 nonprofits for projects in Roxbury, Dorchester, or Mattapan. The proposal deadline is April 10, 2023 at 4:00pm.

VIEW THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Grassroots Program

The Grassroots program supports the development of community gardens and other open spaces. The program provides grant funds, City-owned land, and technical help to neighborhood groups and nonprofits. The goal is to help those who want to organize, develop, own, manage, and maintain community gardens, farms, and other open space in low- and moderate- income neighborhoods.

Learn more about Grassroots

Gardening Tip Sheets

GrowBoston offers guides to help you reach the next level in gardening. Topics include weed management, container gardening, and seed saving. These tip sheets are targeted at gardeners with some previous knowledge. Please contact GrowBoston if you need assistance with gardening basics.

View the tip sheets

Additional Resources for Gardens and Farms

View additional resources for starting a garden or a farm on a vacant lot in Boston, as well as for learning how to garden and farm.

Urban Farming

Guide to urban farming in the City of Boston.

Food Access and Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic: One Acre Farm Guide

Guide to starting a ground-level farm on less than one acre of land.

Boston Planning & Development Agency: Article 89 Made Easy

Guide to help ensure farms are compliant with appropriate zoning.

Boston Planning & Development Agency: Zoning Viewer

A map to find zoning for a particular parcel in the City.

Boston Water & Sewer Commission: Water Installation

If you are developing a farm or garden and need to know what is required for water.

Mass. Department of Agriculture Urban Agriculture Program

Funding for urban agriculture projects and community gardens.

Native Plant Species List

Guide to native species to plant on your farm, or in your food forest or park.

Urban Farming Institute: Training Program

A 29-week course from March through October based in Mattapan.

Trustees of Reservations: Master Urban Gardener Program

An intensive training for vegetable gardeners of all experience levels.

Trustees of Reservations: Educational Workshops and Events

List of the Trustees of Reservations' educational workshops and events.

Urban Farm Directory

Farm Directory

Dorchester

Glenway Farm

Urban Farming Institute
131 Glenway Street

As of summer 2021, produce from Glenway Farm is sold at the Farmstand at Fowler Clark Farm (487 Norfolk Street) Fridays from 1pm to 4pm. Produce is also sold through the Urban Farming Institute’s CSA Program. To learn more or to volunteer at the farm, email info@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

The West Cottage Farm

The Food Project
40 West Cottage Street

As of winter 2023, produce from The West Cottage Farm is sold at the Dudley Town Common and Ashmont farmers markets. The farm also donates to Rosie's place, the Mosque for Praising Allah, Rounding the Bases, the Dorchester Community Fridge, and the Project Hope Shelter. Volunteer opportunities are currently limited due to high demand. To learn more, email dandrews@thefoodproject.org.

87-89 Callender Street

NUBIA

As of winter 2023, produce from 87-89 Callender Street is sold at the Brighton farmers' market and the Copley farmers' market. To learn more or to volunteer, email a.sayed@nubianet.net, or call 617-669-2642.

Sportsmen's Tennis and Enrichment Center

Urban Farming Institute
950 Blue Hill Avenue

As of summer 2021, produce from the farm at Sportsmen’s Tennis and Enrichment Center is sold at the Farmstand at Fowler Clark Farm (487 Norfolk Street) Fridays from 1pm to 4pm. Produce is also sold through the Urban Farming Institute’s CSA Program. To learn more or to volunteer at the farm, email info@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

East Boston

Corner Stalk Farm

101 Condor Street

Corner Stalk Farm grows in a recycled shipping container year-round. To order produce from Corner Stalk Farm, visit the Corner Stalk Farm website.

Eastie Farm

294 Sumner Street

As of winter 2023, produce from Eastie Farm can be purchased through their CSA program: sign up at on the CSA website. Eastie Farm also donates to local community organizations or directly to community members. Local neighbors are welcome to help care for the food and reap what is sown. To volunteer, visit the Eastie Farm volunteer website, and learn about upcoming events in the Eastie Farm calendar. Contact Eastie Farm at info@eastiefarm.com or (617) 419-0788.

Fenway

Fenway Farms

Green City Growers
Fenway Park

As of summer 2021, produce from Fenway Farms is used at all Fenway Park food venues. Fenway Farms also donates to Lovin’ Spoonfuls Food Rescue. To learn more, visit the Green City Growers website.

Hyde Park

We Grow Microgreens

21 Norton Street

We Grow Microgreens, LLC, owned and run by urban growers Lisa Evans and Tim Smith. specializes in growing highly nutritious microgreens, edible flowers, tea leaves, herbs and medicinal plants using sustainable and regenerative growing practices. The farm grows predominantly with natural sunlight operating out of a beautiful glass greenhouse, two high tunnels and raised garden beds.

Produce from We Grow Microgreens is sold at their Farmstand in Hyde Park at 21 Norton St. Hyde Park, Fridays from 1:00 –4:30pm and in the Spring, Summer and Fall on Thursdays from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.

They can also be found at the markets below.

Spring, Summer and Fall:

Natick Farmers Market - 13 Common St, every Saturdays 9:00am–1:00pm
Roslindale Farmers Market - Adam’s Park in Roslindale Square, select Saturdays June to October 9:00am–1:30pm
Watertown Farmers Market - Saltonstall Park, Main St and Whites Ave, Watertown MA, every other Wednesday beginning in June 2:30–6:30pm
Newton Summer Market - Newton South High School, every other Tuesday beginning in July from 2:00–6:00pm

Winter:

Natick Winter Farmers Market - 13 Common St, Natick, MA, Saturdays October to January and March to May.
Wayland Winter Farmers Market - Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Rd Wayland, MA, Saturdays January to March 11th from 11:00am–2:00pm
Roslindale Winter Farmers Market - 32 Birch St, Roslindale, MA select Sundays January to March from 11:00–2:00pm"

Jamaica Plain

Allandale Farm

259 Allandale Road, Chestnut Hill

Allandale Farm's CSA program is now open for registration--don't miss this opportunity for fresh, local produce at a great value! New in 2023, Allandale is offering Flower Shares; receive 8 weeks of Farmer's Choice bouquets of our own gorgeous flowers. To learn more or apply for our Community Funded Shares or Farmbucks programs, visit the Allandale Farm website, email allandale@allandalefarm.com, or call 617-524-1531.

Mattapan

Astoria Farm

Urban Farming Institute
15 Flint Street

As of summer 2021, produce from Astoria farm is sold at the Farmstand at Fowler Clark Farm (487 Norfolk Street) Fridays from 1pm to 4pm. Produce is also sold through the Urban Farming Institute’s CSA Program. To learn more or to volunteer at the farm, email info@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

Fowler Clark Farm

Urban Farming Institute
487 Norfolk Street

As of summer 2021, produce from Fowler Clark Farm is sold at its Farmstand at 487 Norfolk Street Fridays from 1pm to 4pm. Produce is also sold through the Urban Farming Institute’s CSA Program. To learn more or to volunteer at the farm, email info@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

ReVision Urban Farm

Victory Programs
38 Fabyan Street and 23-29 Tucker Street

As of winter 2023, produce from ReVision Urban Farm is sold at the ReVision Urban Farm Stand, the Urban Farming Institute Farm Stand, and through our CSA program. We distribute produce to the Boston Living Center and ReVision Family Home, as well as to community fridges in Dorchester, Mattapan, Roslindale and Jamaica Plain. To learn more or to volunteer, email volunteer@vpi.org.

Ballou Urban Farm

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation
100 Ballou Avenue

To learn more about Ballou Urban farm, email apolojcatala@gmail.com.

Roxbury

Garrison-Trotter Farm

Urban Farming Institute
225-227 Harold Street

As of summer 2021, produce from Garrison-Trotter farm is sold at the Farmstand at Fowler Clark Farm (487 Norfolk Street) Fridays from 1pm to 4 pm. Produce is also sold through the Urban Farming Institute’s CSA Program. To learn more or to volunteer at the farm, email info@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

Tommy's Rock Farm

Boston Farms Community Land Trust
1-3 Akron Street

As of winter 2023, produce from Tommy’s Rock Farm is sold directly to customers. Flowers grown at the farm are sold through a CSA program. To learn more or to volunteer at the farm, email info@bostonfarms.org

Langdon Street Farm

The Food Project
37-43 Langdon Street/ 123-133r George Street

Thornton Street Farm

Haley House
95r Thornton Street

Produce from the Thornton Street Farm is distributed through Haley House's Soup Kitchen, Take Back the Kitchen cooking classes, LiFT re-entry program, through our Highland Park Senior Produce Distribution Program and to neighboring schools and community groups. To learn more or to volunteer, visit their website

17 Dixwell Street

NUBIA

As of winter 2023, produce from 17 Dixwell Street is sold at the Brighton farmers' market and the Copley farmers' market.

South End

Boston Medical Center Rooftop Farm

Higher Ground Farms
One Boston Medical Center Place

Produce from the Boston Medical Center Rooftop Farm is used in the Boston Medical Center food pantry, cafeteria, and teaching kitchen. A weekly farmers market (Tuesdays 12-1) in the Shapiro Building of the hospital sells produce at a subsidized price for hospital staff and patients. A second rooftop farm affiliated with the hospital, located on 960 Mass Ave., will be opening early summer 2023. To learn more about the farm, visit Boston Medical Center's website. If you are interested in visiting or volunteering on the farm email farm@bmc.org.

Miscellaneous

Hannah Farm

B. Good and Camp Harbor View
Long Island Road, Long Island

As of summer 2021, produce from Hannah Farm is used at Camp Harbor View, and B. Good’s Summer Street, Seaport, and Washington Street locations. The farm has a volunteer program with Camp Harbor View. To learn more, visit the B. Good and Camp Harbor View website.