Bloomington Parks and Recreation's Community Gardening Program
See our Community Gardening and Bloomington Community Orchard class offerings.
Visit Butler Park Community Gardens
Located on South Highland Avenue near the southeast YMCA, Willie Streeter Community Gardens are the Community Gardening program's oldest and largest gardens. Since opening in 1984, the garden has grown to include 176 garden plots and raised beds for rent.
Email communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov for more information on renting a plot at Willie Streeter Community Gardens.
Remaining Garden Plots at Willie Streeter Renting for Half Price
A variety of garden plots, including small and large organic and conventional plots, that have not yet been rented for the season are now available for half price.
Large garden plots (about 200 square feet) may be rented from July 2 through Oct. 31 for $36.50 (Bloomington residents), or $42.50 for out-of-city residents. Small garden plots (about 100 square feet) and raised beds (32 square feet) are $18.50 for Bloomington residents or $22 for out-of-city residents. Some plots are available for year-round use.
According to community gardening program specialist Sarah Mullin, there is still time to plant and harvest vegetables, herbs, and flowers for the 2018 growing season. "It is preferable for us to have garden plots that are being planted and maintained by people who want to grow their own food," said Sarah Mullin, community gardening program specialist. "The remaining growing season is short, but we are ready and willing to rent the remaining plots and advise gardeners how to get the most from their late-season plantings."
The rental price of a garden plot includes water sources, fencing, composting facilities, Parks and Recreation Department staff resources, a gardening newsletter, and friendly neighbors.
To rent a garden plot, visit the Parks and Recreation office in City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. Suite 250, in person Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gardeners may select a plot from the plot map at the reception desk, and, once the plot is reserved, can begin gardening right away.
For more information about the community gardening program, or about renting a garden plot at Willie Streeter Community Gardens, contact Sarah Mullin at 812.349.3704 or mullins@bloomington.in.gov.
Registration and Garden Plot Rental
- Returning gardeners in good standing from last season may renew the rental of the same plot(s) they gardened in 2017 between February 1-16.
- New gardeners, and returning gardeners who wish to garden in an additional plot or in plot(s) other than those they rented in 2017 may register starting on February 20 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registering gardeners must complete the Program Registration Form and Gardener Agreement, and all participating gardeners must read and sign the contract as well. The registration forms must be submitted in person at the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office, 401 N. Morton St. Suite 250 inside City Hall. The registering gardener will select from available plots on the maps at the Parks and Recreation office. New gardeners who want to rent more than one plot or a plot with year-round use must contact gardening program staff before registering.
For more information about the Community Gardening program, email communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov.
See the Willie Streeter Community Gardens plot map.
Apply for financial assistance for garden plot rental fees.
| Registration Code | 2018 Plot Rental Fee | Plot Description |
|---|---|---|
| 165202-A | $37/in-city, $44/non-city | Small Organic Plot approx. 100 sq. ft. |
| 165202-B | $73/in-city, $85/non-city | Large Organic Plot approx. 200 sq. ft. |
| 165202-C | $37/in-city, $44/non-city | Raised Bed 32 sq. ft. |
| 165202-D | $73/in-city, $85/non-city | Large Conventional Plot approx. 200 sq. ft. |
Accessibility
Gardeners with disabilities or other limitations will find gardening support, including wheelchair-accessible raised beds and access to adaptive tools.
Plant a Row for the Hungry
To address local issues of community food security, Bloomington Parks and Recreation joins with Worm's Way, Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, Bloomingfoods Market and Deli, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard and Hoosier Hills Food Bank in encouraging gardeners to grow an extra row for a hungry family. In 2017, the campaign raised over 27,500 pounds of fresh produce, which was distributed through the Food Bank to community members in need. For more information on how to participate, call Sarah Mullin at 812-349-3704 or email mullins@bloomington.in.gov.
Financial Aid Program
To ensure gardening opportunities are available to all members of the Bloomington community, financial assistance is available for those in need to help cover garden plot rental fees. For more information or to receive an application, call 812-349-3700.
Sponsorships and Donations
The Community Gardening program benefits from generous donations from corporations, businesses, groups and individuals in the form of seeds, plants, tools, soil amendments and other supplies, which allow us to keep our gardening opportunities affordable to all. There are a number of opportunities to become a donor to or sponsor of the Community Gardening program. Sponsorships or donations are accepted throughout the year. For more information about making a sponsorship or donation to the City's community gardens, contact Sarah Mullin at 812-349-3704 or email mullins@bloomington.in.gov.