TAMPA, Fla. — There are a lot of benefits that come with city living — proximity to bars and restaurants, shorter commute times, walking or biking to the grocery store instead of driving.
What You Need To Know
Community garden in downtown Tampa will feature over 40 raised planters
All gardening equipment at the parking community garden will be free, courtesy of the city
The city encourages residents to plant flowers that attract pollinators in an effort to boost pollination
The garden is located on the east side of Whiting Garage; Here are more details, including how to apply
It also means limited access to green space. And for urban dwellers with a green thumb, balconies just don’t cut it. But now, the City of Tampa’s Parking and Micromobility Division is offering a unique opportunity for residents to grow with the city at its new community garden.
“Open land in downtown is hard to find, and we were fortunate to have this little parcel, a part of one of our garages, and so we jumped on it,” said Austin Britt.
With a background in environmental science, Britt, the city’s parking and micromobility planner, saw an opportunity for growth — both literally and figuratively speaking.
“We want to be more environmentally friendly, globally sustainable,” he said. “I think this is just one step into that direction to inspire people to garden for themselves. Especially with the high cost of produce now, if you can grow a tomato or a pepper at your house, why not, right?” he said.
Or rather down the block in one of 41 raised beds where Britt says many things can be grown, like a variety of flowers, vegetables and herbs.
“So, as we’ve been building this over the last year and a half, community members, everyone walking past is always asking when is this going to be opening, when is this going to be opening, when is this going to be opening,” he said.
From now through Nov. 5, the city will begin accepting applications for Tampa city residents. Because of the limited number of beds available, a lottery system is being used. The drawing will take place in late November and early December, with planting expected to begin in February.
“As part of the community garden, we’re going to be offering courses in composting, cooking with your food that you’ve grown,” Britt said. “So, there’s an education component as well,” he said.
The Parking Community Garden, located on the east side of Whiting Garage downtown, will be a place to weed out stress, nourish the roots of creativity, all while planting food for the soul. Here are more details, including how to apply.