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Growing to Green

Growing to Green is the largest organized effort in Columbus dedicated to supporting and sustaining urban agriculture. For over 25 years, we have helped establish and revitalize hundreds of urban agriculture projects across Central Ohio, transforming available urban land into thriving hubs for food production, education, and community connection.

At its core, Growing to Green is committed to making urban agriculture accessible to all. We provide free tools, resources, and support to organizations, neighborhoods, and schools looking to start or expand gardens and educational growing spaces within the city. By increasing access to fresh, healthy food and fostering opportunities for environmental education and community engagement, we support the development of a resilient and connected local food system.

Our Mission
To empower communities through collaboration, education, and leadership —supporting sustainable urban agriculture, strengthening its long-term impact, and amplifying a collective voice for food equity and environmental stewardship.

Our Vision
We envision a thriving network of urban farms and gardens that promote resilience, learning, and belonging—growing not just plants, but stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

Offerings

WE DIG Ohio 2026 Urban Agriculture & Community Garden Summit | People & Soil: A Sustainable Approach

Saturday, March 7, 2026

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Urban Garden Leadership Academy The Urban Garden Leadership Academy is a new initiative led by Franklin Park Conservatory’s Growing to Green program in collaboration with experienced community garden leaders and community partners.

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Franklin County Community Garden Grant The 2026 Franklin County Community Garden Grant is made possible through the support of Franklin County and Franklin Park Conservatory. Applications open on October 24, 2025.

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The Communal Garden Class Series Classes in The Communal Garden series teach all gardeners skills that can be used in community gardens or to support their community through gardening.

These classes are open to all and are free in an effort to make gardening skills and knowledge accessible to everyone in our community.

Upcoming Classes

Growing to Green Community Volunteering Are you looking for volunteer opportunities within the community? Growing to Green’s Community Volunteering program is for anyone interested in volunteering within community garden spaces throughout Central Ohio.

Volunteer Now

Garden Mapping Initiative The community garden map is a community resource managed by Franklin Park Conservatory’s Growing to Green Program. Here you will find any public community gardens and their locations.

View Map

2025 Growing to Green Harvest Awards The Growing to Green Harvest Awards honors the dedication and hard work of many Central Ohio communities and individuals while furthering Growing to Green’s objective of promoting participation in city beautification and community gardening.

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Community Garden Plots The Conservatory's Community Garden Campus is a publicly accessible living classroom and connection to nature. It also holds garden plots for community members to tend to and serves as a model for Growing to Green gardens. If you're interested in a plot, please register for the plotholder wait list.

Plotholder Wait List

Subscribe to Our Newsletter: The Columbus Green Patch We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Conservatory’s Growing to Green newsletter. We can’t wait for you to discover the valuable information, resources, and inspiration within its pages.

Subscribe Today

Click on the bulletin board to explore this month’s featured events, learning opportunities, and helpful links!

With Support From

greenscapes-logo

and The Hinson Family Trust

More Information

Local Grants Information

For more information about grant opportunities and application deadlines, click the link below.

Grant Information

Columbus Green Patch Newsletter
Annual Reports