By Edible DC

Urban Gardens turn otherwise unused city space into flourishing green havens, providing food security and access to seasonal, healthy food for local neighborhoods. 

These farms come in all shapes and sizes—from large community gardens in parks and green spaces, to controlled-environment agriculture, and each aims to support its nearby residents in unique ways. Some offer food access programs in collaboration with local non-profits, while others take their harvests on the go, combating food deserts by bringing mobile markets to communities in need. 

For frequent volunteers, Urban gardens are as much a place to cultivate relationships as food. On weekly volunteer days, dozens of community members catch up and bask in the sun while tending to the new season’s crops. It’s a chance to make new connections, learn more about your local food system, and have a hand in supporting what’s on your plate.

When you support an Urban garden, whether by making a donation, showing up for weekly volunteer days, or shopping at their farmers’ market, you are making a commitment to give back to the people and soil that fuel our lives. These gardens, farms, and agricultural centers are labors of love and stewardship, enhancing local biodiversity, combatting food deserts, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, and providing employment and educational opportunities. 

We’ve curated a guide on some of the best Urban farms and gardens in the area. Whether you’re looking to get more involved in your local food community, understand what’s on your plate, or support local movements in your neighborhood, we hope you’ll be inspired by these resilient farms.