The City of Columbia now offers public access to a variety of gardens throughout the community.   Citizens and organizations can now lease 5' x 12' plots to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers. The City will provide the soil, compost and water for $20 per year with a limit of two plots per household.  The Community Gardens program was established to help improve the quality of health among citizens through a nutritious diet and outdoor physical activity.  As a part of the new citywide “Eat Smart, Move More Columbia” campaign, the Community Gardens program will play vital role in strengthening our communities. 

Together, citizens will be able share the fun of the hands-on gardening experience, and enjoy the satisfaction of learning how to cultivate crops.  The public is highly encouraged to participate in this healthy eating initiative.

Gardening is considered our nation's most popular pastime, yielding fresh fruits and vegetables for the dinner table, a cleaner environment and aesthetically pleasing landscapes.  The City of Columbia would like to for the community garden to serve as a place where citizens of all ages are able to learn about gardening and growing healthy food options. Columbia has a longstanding tradition of community involvement. Community Gardens serves as another medium through which citizens can interact socially with their neighbors, learn about economic self-reliance, stimulate community involvement and responsibility, and improve eating habits.  The Community Gardens also provide a source of interaction between our communities, while providing a safe environment for our citizens to be physically active. 

Click here to choose a plot and download an application.  Before you begin, please take a moment to read the Garden Guidelines and other important information in the upper left-hand corner of this page.

Agriculture has been a way of life for many centuries, particularly in the south, where it has been a timeless tradition passed down through generations.  Columbia’s climate provides 11 months of the perfect growing season for nearly all vegetables and fruits. Using our resources, we have a unique opportunity and an increasing responsibility to cultivate an awareness to help our city understand concepts of health and nutrition, while substantially changing the appearance of our community with colorful plantings and creative use of space.  Gardening is a valuable skill that can be acquired at nearly any age.  It is ideal for maintaining a healthy diet, recreation, stress relief and community building.  So what are you waiting for?  Dig in and see for yourself how a garden can change your life!  For more information call 803.545.3100.

“In community gardening, community comes first”