Urban Agriculture

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City Grown

Access to healthy, affordable food is vital for a sustainable community. A strong local food system improves health, promotes equity, and strengthens our economy. The Office of Sustainability & Resilience works with the Healthy St. Pete Initiative team and urban agriculture stakeholders to collaborate on community-wide access to food & nutrition. 

There is a rising demand for sustainably produced, local food in cities. In response, St. Petersburg City Council approved related ordinance amendments to expand opportunities for the production and sale of locally grown produce. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension maintains a site of resources for people interested in learning more about urban agriculture, or view St. Pete’s Guide to Growing Urban Agriculture.

Community Gardens

A community garden allows the growing, harvesting, and retail sale of edible fruits and vegetables, and other products intended for consumption by neighboring residents and community members. Community gardens are allowed in all zoning districts as a principal use, subject to administrative approval.  A permit is required to establish a community garden on vacant property. The initial permit fee is $50 and renewal is $10 every year. For more information, contact DevRev@StPete.org.

Meadowlawn Ecological Center & Community Garden

The Meadowlawn Ecological Center & Community Garden is located off of 74th Ave. N. and 18th St. and currently has 20 garden plots. Six of the garden plots are on raised tables for accessibility, which are available on a first come, first served basis with priority given to those requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additional garden plots may be added at a later date. The Meadowlawn Neighborhood Association will host workshops and events onsite for participants of the garden. The garden rules and site map can be found in the Agreement below.  

Hours of Operation

The garden is located close to a school, so the garden will be closed when classes are in session during the school year (August-May). Garden hours are as follows:

  • August-May: Open 3 p.m.-sunset Monday-Friday and sunrise-sunset on non-school days, including holidays and weekends
  • June-July: Open sunrise-sunset

Rental & Pricing

Garden plots are available for six-month leases starting March 1 and September 1 with a $25 fee per six-month rental period.

Apply to Rent a Plot

Note: All garden plots are currently rented. Do not submit payments at this time. To be added to the waitlist, call 727-892-5141.

Find the agreement application below. Hard copies of the Agreement are also available at Fossil Park (6635 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. St. N.).

Agreement: Meadowlawn Ecological Center & Community Garden

St. Pete Youth Farm

Empowering youth to lead urban agriculture projects with community guidance and resources has proven to be a successful strategy in youth, workforce, and neighborhood development. At the St. Pete Youth Farm, young participants start as workers, then become mentors, managers, and eventually food systems leaders. They learn through experience, implement real-world business principles, and serve the local community. For more information and opportunities to get involved, visit the St. Pete Youth Farm site.