GrowBoston
GrowBoston is the City of Boston's Office of Urban Agriculture.
GrowBoston's goal is to increase food production and support local food producers in Boston, including gardeners, farmers, beekeepers, and more.
Our work builds on the long-term work of the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH). MOH, through the Grassroots Program, has been supporting the development of community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces through land disposition and capital funding for more than 25 years.
We will be working to increase community gardens, urban farms, and other food-growing spaces throughout Boston. We will support the implementation of innovative food production strategies, such as rooftop growing, vertical growing, and hydroponics.
GrowBoston provides technical help to prospective and existing gardens and farms. Our team develops educational and other food production resources for gardeners, farmers, and residents. We partner with sister agencies to leverage public facilities to increase food production. We also coordinate with other City departments to make food production more accessible in Boston.
Contact
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26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108 -
HOURSWeekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -
Submit photos of Boston urban agriculture activities to be featured on our social media.
Recent Updates
Recent UpdatesGrowBoston is offering grants up to $300,000 to to support community gardens in Boston's neighborhoods with limited access to affordable food. This program will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to build or expand community gardens. These grants are being made available from City of Boston Participatory Budget funds.
This grant opened on Monday, February 2nd and will close on Friday, March 6 at 4 p.m.
The purpose of this grant program is to invest in public community garden spaces for Boston residents. Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. See the full list of eligibility requirements in the application.
Apply for the grant through our WizeHive system here.
Attend a virtual information session to learn more about the grant details on Wednesday, February 11th from 1-2pm. Register for the zoom meeting here. Please read through the grant beforehand and come with any questions you may have. Note that this information session will be recorded and posted on our website.
The City of Boston is now using this grants management software for all grant programs. Please see this link for an "Applicant Guide" slide deck which will walk you through the steps of applying, accepting an award, and reporting through this platform.
The Beekeeping Ordinance, passed by City Council in February 2024, will make Boston beekeeping more accessible than ever.
Boston residents can now keep bees for personal use anywhere in the city. Previously, beekeeping was regulated with the same requirements as keeping other livestock, which significantly limited the areas in which it was allowed. Residents must register their beehives on their property and pay a one-time registration fee.
Boston’s Inspectional Services Department has established its beekeeping registration process, which is outlined on the Inspectional Services website.
Please reach out to Shani Fletcher, Director of GrowBoston, at shani.fletcher@boston.gov or 617-635-0466, for support regarding the registration process, or if you would like to engage in future beekeeping-related resources and opportunities.
Programs, Initiatives, and Funding
GrowBoston Funding Opportunities
These are all of our past, current, and future funding opportunities.
Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program
Provides one-on-one gardening education and support for gardeners in East Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury through 2025 and 2026.
GrowBoston and Office of Food Justice Strategic Goals
2023-2026
Building a just, equitable, resilient, and sustainable food system in Boston.
Grassroots Open Space Development
The Grassroots Program supports the development of community gardens and other open spaces.
Boston Urban Agriculture Recommendations Report
Learn more about the urban agriculture recommendations, which suggest action city-wide and at the neighborhood level for equitably advancing urban agriculture in Boston.
Raised Bed Program
Will construct 800 raised beds for low-income residents by 2026.
Upcoming Events
EventsGrowBoston Newsletters
GrowBoston NewslettersResources
Community Garden and Urban Farm Directory
Find a community garden or urban farm in your neighborhood!
Learn to Garden
Learn to garden with these educational programs compiled by GrowBoston
Gardening Tip Sheets
GrowBoston offers guides to help you reach the next level in gardening.
Urban Agriculture and Rodent Management
Learn how to prevent and mitigate rodents in your green space.
Fruit Tree Interest Form
GrowBoston, the City of Boston’s Office of Urban Agriculture, is working on making resources available to support city of Boston residents who have fruit trees where they live. Click here to be notified for possible future fruit tree resources.
Fruiting Trees, Shrubs, and Perennial Plants
An overview, history, and guide to fruiting plants and trees in Boston.
Pests and Diseases
Learn what pests and diseases you might encounter in your Boston growing space and how to manage these issues.
Industrial Agriculture and Climate Change
Our world's climate is changing. Here's the role of agriculture in that change.
Bees in Boston
Take a dive into Boston's Bees with GrowBoston!
Urban Farming in Boston
Learn more about how GrowBoston supports farming in Boston.
Professional Development for Farmers
Improve your farming skills with these professional development programs and resources compiled by GrowBoston.
Additional Resources for gardens and farms
Additional resourcesGrowBoston's Blog
Blog
Acknowledgements
GrowBoston would like to thank the following members of our Advisory Board for their partnership and collaboration.
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Danielle Andrews, The Food Project
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Annabel Rabiyah, The Trustees of Reservations
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Barbara Knecht, R.A., Strategies for Cities
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Vivien Morris, Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition
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Elnora Thompson, Nightingale Community Garden
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Pete Ellis, Independent Green Infrastructure Consultant
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Apolo Cátala, Food System Advocate and Master Urban Gardener Consultant
Contact
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26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108 -
HOURSWeekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Submit photos of Boston urban agriculture activities to be featured on our social media.
