UGROW
REC’s UGROW (Urban Gardens Resources of Worcester) program supports a network of gardens and gardeners across the city, enhancing both food access and urban greenspaces
Our Story
UGROW began in 1995 with 1 garden and 1 volunteer gardener with a vision to grow food in the city. Today, the network has grown to include over 80 community gardens throughout the city of Worcester involving more than 700 volunteer gardeners.
The community garden network includes neighborhood gardens, school/learning gardens, organizational/institutional gardens, and urban farms. Becoming a member of our UGROW network is free and provides you with a number of benefits.
Our Network Includes:
Organizational / Institutional Gardens
Used by residents or participants at community organizations, public housing, and nonprofits; they are not open to the public
Urban Farms
Gardens where at least a portion of the produce is grown to be sold for markets rather than personal consumption
Community Gardens
Across Worcester
Membership Benefits
*Resource Guides &
Technical Support
(developing garden plans, creating project budgets, and identifying small grants and funding opportunities)
*Free City Compost Delivery
*Soil Testing Support
*Free Seedlings from our Annual Plant Sale
*An Official Garden Sign
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How do I join a neighborhood garden?If you are primarily looking for a place to grow for yourself, fill out the REC Community Gardener Plot Interest Form. The REC does not own or directly manage member gardens; our staff can help connect you to the volunteer community garden coordinators at networks sites across the city. Please know that gardens in our network vary in size and structure; filling out this form does not guarantee you a plot. If a plot is not immediately available, your contact information will be added to a waitlist and you will be notified of any future plot openings. Priority for spring placement is given to those that complete this form by March 31st. Learn more about neighborhood gardens here!
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Can I volunteer with the UGROW network?Yes! We post available community garden volunteer opportunites on our Volunteer page. If you want to see how you can help out at our School Gardens, email our School Gardens Coordinator at schoolgardens@recworcester.org to express interest.
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I'm looking for help with my backyard garden.While we support and encourage home growing, we are not currently able to provide material support for home gardens serving a single household. You can check out our Gardening Resource page for tips, tricks and helpful guides.
Thank You to Our Lead UGROW Sponsors!
