Home Gardener Program

We believe everyone should have access to fresh, nutritious foods on a regular basis.

That’s why we are giving away FREE garden beds to community members!

This program aims to build strong foundations for home gardeners by providing participants with all they need to succeed in growing their own highly nutritious foods.

The goal of the program is to increase food production gardens in our community. Through our Home Gardener Program, we distribute raised bed kits with soil, seeds, plant starts and more.

We will distribute raised bed kits to applicants on a first come first serve basis when applications and waivers are complete.

This program is made possible through generous funding from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina in response to rebuilding & beautification post-Helene.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone with a desire to learn how to garden, or maybe you’re a some-what experienced gardener and want to expand your garden and skills.

Schools, Churches, Nonprofits, and other groups are also encouraged to apply!

Don’t worry, if you don’t have any gardening experience, it’s okay! We’re here to help guide you along the way.

WHAT’S IN THE GARDEN KIT?

The program provides everything you’ll need to get a home garden started, including support! You’ll need to pick-up:

  • Raised Bed Kit (will need assembling)

  • Woodchips

  • Bagged soil

  • Seasonal Plant Starts & Seeds

The kit does not include a few things that will be necessary for the success of your garden.

  • Garden hose or any watering devices

  • Shovels, rakes or any large hand tools

IS THERE ANYTHING REQUIRED OF ME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HOME GARDENER PROGRAM?

The desire to have a garden is the biggest requirement!

We strongly encourage participants to:

  • Maintain your home garden bed and use organic growing practices to the best of your ability

  • Document the installation of your raised bed garden at your home and send us pictures via email or social media. This helps us to be able to fund more projects like this in the future!
    (tag us on Facebook @mitchellgivinggardens or on Instagram @mitchell_giving_gardens)

  • Attend 4 volunteer days at Mitchell Giving Gardens in Riverside Park

  • Attend 2 educational events with Mitchell Giving Gardens

Steps to Follow

  • STEP 1: Pick a site

    Take a moment to look at your property to determine what location would give the garden bed the most sunlight while still being close to a water source.

    Learn More

  • STEP 2: Apply for the Home Gardener Program

    Find out more about the program & APPLY!

    How to Apply

  • STEP 3: Pick a time to receive garden kit

    You’ll need to pick a time to get all the supplies for your raised garden bed.
    Before that, there’s some things to consider.

    What's in the Kit

  • STEP 4: Install raised garden bed

    Learn more about: Prepping site & assembling your new bed and more!

    Resources

  • STEP 5: Learn & Grow

    Attend hands-on workshops, sign up for mentorship, and volunteer at the Giving Gardens

    Get Involved

  • STEP 6: Harvest & Share

    Document & share your home gardening experience with us!

    Share

Apply for the Home Gardener Program

Have questions or need support? For more information, contact us.

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