Our Community Gardens

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Holton Eco-Preserve Community Gardens

Come Grow with Us! 

The Holton Eco-Preserve Community Gardens has 3 ways for you to get involved:

  • Rent a garden space for to grow food for your own use
  • Contribute to the food justice movement in Lee County by volunteering to grow food for local food pantries. Volunteers will plant, grow, harvest and deliver food to benefit friends and neighbors who are struggling to feed their families.
  • Grow flowers, herbs and foods that can be used on the UUCFM Campus in a variety of workshops and programs.

        Benefits of Community Gardening

  • Fresh vegetables from the garden to your family’ s table
  • Savings on your food bill--studies have shown that buying the same vegetables from retail stores would have cost an additional $435 in one four-month season. 
  • Gardeners increase their physical activity and overall health and make lasting friendships.
  • Lessons learned in the garden about water conservation, water quality preservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable land use may be taken back to homes, schools and neighborhoods.

Registration and Payment Information

The fee to rent a garden bed is $100 for the season (Sept 1 - August 31). Discounts are available for UUCFM members/staff as well as for Volunteers.  An online form is available for individuals who are planning to pay by credit card. A paper form is available for download below for those wanting to pay by check. 

Community Garden Application (online for those wishing to pay by Credit Card)

Sign up to be on our mailing list (if you're not ready to commit right now this will keep you up to date on what's happening)

Volunteer Opportunities. We have a limited number of volunteer spots for this summer and the coming season.  If you'd like information about how to volunteer and what we are looking for, email Mary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

DOWNLOADS

Garden Registration Form.pdf

Below are some common FAQs:

What materials do I need to provide?

Gardeners are expected to provide their own seeds and plants for their bed. In addition you might wish to provide some fertilizers, additional soil amendments, stakes/plant supports, signs to help you remember what you planted and where. Please refer to our policies or ask for assistance when selecting any pesticides, fertlizers, amendments, etc. as we are an Eco-Preserve. 

What is provided in addition to the garden bed?

First, each bed is equipped with a drip irrigation system. There are also several water taps and hoses in case your bed needs a little extra water. We have a variety of garden tools available to borrow but of course you're welcome to bring your own. There are also some wheel barrows to help you move materials from the parking area to your bed. There will be volunteers around on most days to offer advice so don't be shy about asking questions.


There will also be some opportunities to gather together as a group to share pot luck meals and get to know your gardening community.


We'll also be sending out a weekly(ish) newsletter about the gardens, volunteer opportunities and upcoming workshops and, of course, some yummy recipes featuring seasonal produce.

What does my garden space look like?

Garden beds are approximately 4-foot x 8-foot. They are constructed of cement blocks and are approximately 2 feet high.  The aisles between beds are wide enough to accommodate a wheel barrow or cart.

What am I allowed to grow in my bed?

That is mostly up to you -- you can fill your bed with vegetables (most popular) or you can grow flowers, herbs or a combination. Please review the policies as we do not allow any invasives, or trees/shrubs to be planted.