Community Garden

All Community Garden Content
Entrance to the Bronx Park Community Garden.

Starting a Community Garden

Community gardens or farms can support the overall well-being of the people in your region. Starting or participating in a community garden can be a great opportunity to learn new skills, grow food, and cultivate community!

Garden plots

SDSU Extension hosts community garden field day in Watertown

July 27, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension will host a field day at the Foundation Field Community Garden in Watertown on Aug. 6, 2026.

produce growing in a collection of raised beds in a SDSU Extension community garden

Community Gardens

Community gardens, organized by SDSU Extension staff and community volunteers, bring fresh produce to many rural communities and designated food deserts across the state.

Gardening plots at the Foundation Field Community Garden.
Aug 06

Community Garden Field Day @ Watertown

SDSU Extension will host a Community Garden Field Day on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CDT at the Foundation Field Community Garden (1800 3rd Ave. NW, Watertown, SD 57201).

A flooded garden

Flooded Gardens

Soil from gardens that were recently flooded may not be safe for growing fruit and vegetables this summer. Depending on the location, flood waters may contain contaminants or disease-causing organisms.

A young girl with a snail-shaped watering can.

Ages & Stages in the Garden: Ages 6-8

A garden can be used to teach many concepts to a board range of ages. When working with early elementary youth you will want to consider characteristics of their development when planning lessons and activities.

several children next to a raised garden

Ages & Stages in the Garden: 4-5 year olds

If considering a garden-based learning program for four to five year-old it is important to understand some of their developmental characteristics prior to planning your program. Young children’s abilities will differ greatly from older youth.

a wooden sign for a community garden

Community Gardens: Lease Agreements

Once the location of your community garden has been determined, it is suggested that you draft a lease agreement outlining the expectations and responsibilities of the community garden group and the landlord.

Professional portrait of Sidonia Trio

SDSU Extension welcomes new horticulture assistant at McCrory Gardens

November 08, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Sydney Trio as a new Horticulture Assistant based at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

fresh vegetables including onions, potatoes, lettuce and squash are shown piled on a counter

SDSU Extension to host short educational course on high tunnels

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a two-day High Tunnel Short Course on Oct. 16-17 at the Outdoor Campus – West in Rapid City.