Growing Healthy Communities
Our Community Gardens offer plots around the Capital Region to anyone interested in growing their own produce. Gardeners receive nutritional, recreational, social and physical benefits from tending plots.
Growing nutritious food can change your life!
What is a Community Garden?
A Community Garden is a parcel of land that has been divided into individual garden plots. Capital Roots transforms neglected private and public land into vibrant, food-producing spaces that beautify our cities.
Community Empowerment
Participating in a community garden empowers individuals by giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. This empowerment can extend beyond the garden, fostering a greater sense of agency and community involvement in other aspects of civic life.
Access to Fresh, Nutrient-Rich Produce
Community gardens provide communities with access to fresh, affordable, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. This is especially crucial in urban areas where access to fresh produce may be limited.
Promotes Sustainable Agriculture
Community gardens encourage sustainable and organic farming practices. By cultivating local, fresh produce, communities reduce their dependence on commercially grown, transported, and often environmentally taxing food.
Want to Join a Garden?
Our gardeners keep the program running, and we are always happy to welcome new members to the community! We sign new gardeners up in March to give them plenty of time to get started.
If you would like to receive notifications about New Gardener Registrations, fill out the interest form below, and we’ll let you know!
Please note that there may not be space in the garden closest to you. Check out the Map of Our Gardens below to see the locations of all 50 of our gardens, and see if there are other potential gardens nearby.
How it works
After applying, someone from the gardens team will reach out to you about plot availability in Community Gardens near you! If your application is accepted we will start you on the path to growing your own food!
1
Application
Once you have filled out the link above, our gardens team will review your application and reach out with available orientation dates.
2
Orientation
Orientations are held throughout April for new participants. In order to register for a garden plot, attendance at orientation is required. During these orientations, you will learn the ins and outs of participating in a Community Garden and select your plot.
3
Payment
There is a suggested $45 donation to sign up for a standard plot. Donations are greatly appreciated and help support this program. The average cost to operate each plot is over $200 per year. If you have expendable income and garden with us, please consider giving more to support the continuation of the program for everyone.
Map of Our Community Gardens
Click to View MapWork Party Schedules – 2026
Spring and Fall Work Parties are an important part of keeping our community gardens healthy, welcoming, and productive for everyone. These shared workdays focus on maintaining common spaces and completing projects that benefit the entire garden.
All gardeners are expected to participate in two work parties each season.
Spring Schedule
Click to ViewFall Schedule
Click to View
Community Garden Support
If you need tools or assistance at your garden, please contact us below!
Submit a New RequestDonate Food in Your Community
Have extra produce from your garden this season? Consider donating it to our local food pantry partners!
Your fresh and high-quality fruits and vegetables can make a significant difference in supporting families in need.
What We Need: Fresh, undamaged, and ripe produce.
Together, we can help ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food.
Please use the form below to track your donations.
Where to Donate
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 518-274-8685 or squashhunger@capitalroots.org.
ST JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
146 First Street
Troy, NY 12180
—First Saturday of the month, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
OAKWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
313 10th Street
Troy, NY 12180
(Parking off of 9th Street)
—Saturdays, 9:00-10:00
WEST HILL REFUGEE WECOME CENTER
104 Ontario Street
Albany, NY 12206
—Friday, 1:00-3:00
Sponsor A Community Garden
Capital Roots is looking for sponsors for community garden sites and to assist local residents growing food where they live. A sponsorship helps cover the yearly costs of water, equipment, staff support and general expenses. Plus a sponsorship comes with proudly displaying your business logo on a green space in our community!
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