Community Gardens

Scattered throughout Palo Alto are plots of land dedicated to providing Palo Altans with a place to dig their hands into the soil and plant vegetables, flowers, and herbs. These open spaces are an oasis for gardeners, as well as visitors, who come to enjoy the beauty of the calendula blossoms, the corn stalks, the pumpkin vines, the sunflowers, as well as the large variety of birds and butterflies.

Community Garden Guidelines(PDF, 645KB)

Sign Up For A Plot

Requirements:

Must be a current Palo Alto resident (proof required)
Must be over 18 years old
Must be approved by the City's Garden Coordinator or Garden liaisons

Once requirements are met you can sign up online or with the help of front desk staff members at Lucie Stern, Mitchell Park, or Cubberley Community Center.

Please note that due to the number of residents on our waiting list, plot assignments must be approved by the City's Garden Coordinator or garden liaisons before registration can occur. If you would like to be added to our waitlist or if you are a current gardener that would like to relinquish their plot assignment, please email pacommunitygardens@paloalto.gov.

VIEW: Community Garden Guidelines and Rules

Fees

All garden plots vary in size. Plots are $00.90 cents per square foot and one-time refundable $200 deposit is also due at time of sign up.
Seniors 60+ receive a 25% discount.
Enjoy! "Fee Reduction Program" applies

Local Resources

We have many community resources for gardeners right here in Palo Alto. The City of Palo Alto offers compost workshops and provides bins for use.

Elizabeth Gamble Gardens is a beautiful place to stroll and get ideas and offers gardening classes.
Canopy stewards the planting and care of trees in Palo Alto.
Garden Club of Palo Alto aims to encourage an interest in gardening, educate the community, and assist in the beautification of public areas in Palo Alto and elsewhere.
Santa Clara Master Gardeners - Experienced credited Master Gardeners with helpful advice on gardening.