Renting a Plot: Garden plots for the 2021 season are filled. Occasionally a plot comes open. If you want to rent a plot in one of our community gardens, you can check for openings on our Registration Website.
There are three parts to our garden registration process each year.
- (February) Returning Gardeners: Eligible gardeners, who followed the rules in the Community Garden Agreement from the previous season, are given priority registration for their existing plot. This helps gardeners improve food production, amend their soil, and grow perennial plants year to year.
- (March) New Applicants: Any new applicants that haven't gardened with us in the previous year are welcome to apply for an open plot. For new applicant instructions click here.
- (April and On) Open Reservation Period: Everyone is welcome to apply for available plots annually starting in April. There is not a wait list so follow the link below to the registration site, to view openings.
Downtown Community Garden
Address: Allen Park, 800 SE 6th Street
Number of Plots: 30, Plot Size 150 sq. ft.
Franklin Community Garden
Address: 55th and Franklin Avenue
Number of Plots: 180, Plot Size 150 sq. ft.
Woodlawn Community Garden
Address: Woodlawn Park, 3126 Twana Drive
Number of Plots: 30, Plot Size 150 sq. ft.
For a list of all private and public community gardens in Des Moines, visit Eat Greater Des Moines’ website
You are required to follow the rules outlined in the Community Garden Agreement. If you don’t follow the rules your permit will be terminated and your plot will be assigned to someone else.
Franklin Agreement
Downtown Agreement
Woodlawn Agreement
Are you looking for a way to do good with your produce? Consider planting a row for the hungry or donating your extra produce to a food pantry. You can find a food pantry near you by visiting DMARC’s website.
If you are interested in finding out more information on how to start a garden on vacant City property (outside of Parks and Recreation), please contact City of Des Moines Real Estate for further information.
City of Des Moines Real Estate Department
Community Garden Start Up Resources
Community Garden Start-Up Guide
Local Food Resources
Eat Greater Des Moines
Backyard Bee Keepers of Des Moines
DMARC Food Donation
Easter Seals Adaptive Lending Library
Des Moines Parks and Recreation manages three community gardens. We understand the value and need for citizens to grow and harvest their own produce and encourage gardeners of all backgrounds and skill levels to come garden with us! Being a part of a community garden means embracing your community! Each plot is dynamic and every gardener grows differently. We encourage you to meet your neighbors, trade produce and learn from each other. Plot rentals are $25 per plot. 
