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 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.

Offerings

Resources

growing to green blog

Subscribe to newsletter

Offerings

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.

Learn More

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

2026 Growing to Green Harvest Awards Nominations are available now!

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.

Learn More

WE DIG Ohio Thank you for a successful Symposium! Details for We Dig 2027 will be available soon.

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

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.

Learn More

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

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

Growing to Green Resources

Local Grants Information

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

Grant Information

Growing to Green Blog

June 24, 2026 Garden Spotlight: Franklinton Farms

Over the years, Growing to Green and Franklinton Farms have cultivated a collaborative relationship rooted in a shared mission: building community through food justice. Located just west of downtown Columbus, Franklinton Farms is a vibrant, highly productive urban farm and education nonprofit. Read More

June 24, 2026 Join the Urban Garden Leadership Academy 2026 Cohort

Growing to Green is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Urban Garden Leadership Academy (UGLA) are now open! Read More

June 24, 2026 Growing to Green Community Garden Mixer

The weather is warming, the gardens are in bloom, and Growing to Green would like to invite you to our Community Garden Mixer! Read More

Urban Gardening Resources

Bulletin Board

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

Annual Reports

2023 Annual Report 2024 Annual Report

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

With Support From

and The Hinson Family Trust

Growing to Green Resources

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

With Support From

and The Hinson Family Trust

Growing to Green Resources

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.