Garden District Urban Farmer Program

Overview

The Garden District Urban Farmer Program is for experienced gardeners who are ready to expand into urban farming, and for growers who need additional space to increase production. Participants receive dedicated land access within a community-focused, mission-driven environment where they can grow food for their household, sell through their own channels, and or donate to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Selected applicants will be invited to a short conversation to confirm details. All participants must complete a required interview before acceptance.

Location and access

Site location
Garden District Community Farm
1278 Ann St, Columbus, OH 43206

Hours of access
Daytime access only.

Parking
Street parking is available. Limited parking is also available in the alley under the tree.

Water setup
City water is typically turned on by mid-April.

Tool storage
Shared tools may be stored in the farmstand and the storage shed.

Available plots

We currently have three plots available for the growing season. Each plot measures approximately 35 ft by 45 ft.

Program cost

Plot fee
$300 for the growing season.

Pay in full discount
$250 if paid in full by March 15.

Monthly payment option
$37.50 per month, April through November, due on the 1st of each month.
Late fees may be added after the 3rd day of each month.

How a plot is secured
A plot is not held until you are accepted and your first payment is received.

What your plot fee includes

• Plot and water access for the season, April through November
• A required one on one orientation with Sean McKay before planting begins
• Access to tools and resources at the Garden District Community Farm
• Basic support and communication throughout the season as needed
• Connection to a network of growers, Garden District partner vendors, and service agency providers

Selection timeline

Application deadline
Applications close March 1.

Interviews and decisions
Interviews will be scheduled after applications close. Decisions and next steps will be shared following interviews.

Support structure and expectations

Required orientation before planting
All participants must complete a one on one orientation before any planting begins. Orientation reviews plot boundaries, water access, site expectations, inclusive community standards, and your crop plan. Planting may not start until orientation is completed.

Responsive communication
Plot holders agree to respond to Garden District messages within 48 hours to help coordinate site updates, seasonal reminders, and support when needed.

Plot maintenance
Participants are responsible for maintaining their plot to a shared standard throughout the season. This includes weed management, keeping paths clear, respecting neighboring plots, and completing end of season cleanup.

Growing independence
Participants bring their own basic tools and manage their plot independently. Garden District may have limited shared tools on site at times, but availability is not guaranteed.

Key values

Sustainable practices
Garden District encourages sustainable and regenerative growing practices, including organic methods, soil building, crop rotation, and practices that improve long term site health.

Community-based agriculture
This program is designed to strengthen local food production, build relationships, and expand access to fresh produce across Columbus.

Inclusive focus
We prioritize applications from immediate neighbors, BIPOC, LGBTQIA plus individuals, veterans, and other historically marginalized community members to ensure farm space is accessible and equitable.

Give back pathway

To keep this program rooted in community impact, each participant selects one give-back pathway for the season.

Choose one:

Harvest share donation
Donate a portion of your harvest through Garden District distribution channels.

Service hours
Contribute scheduled hours by supporting Garden District workdays and events, or by assisting with farmers markets.

Behind-the-scenes support
Support Garden District operations in a non-public-facing way. Examples include harvest help, washing and packing, bed turnover, mulching paths, and light site improvements.

Requirements and eligibility

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must commit to the full growing season, April through November
• Must submit a crop plan as part of the application
• Must have prior gardening or growing experience and a genuine interest in sustainable agriculture
• Must demonstrate inclusive behavior and respect shared community space

Inclusive community standards and conflict resolution

The Garden District Community Farm is a shared space. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Participation requires practicing inclusive behavior and helping protect the community.

What inclusive behavior looks like in practice
Participants agree to:
• Treat others with respect in words and actions
• Use the name and pronouns a person asks you to use when shared
• Assume good intent while still taking responsibility for impact
• Share space, tools, and resources fairly
• Communicate directly, calmly, and promptly when issues arise
• Avoid harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or hateful language
• Honor personal boundaries and keep conversations and behavior appropriate for a public community space
• Keep the farm clean and safe by putting tools back, respecting signage, and following site guidelines
• Support a learning environment where questions are welcome and feedback is offered with care

Conflict resolution expectations
If a concern comes up, participants agree to:

1. Pause and address small issues early, with respect

2. If appropriate, speak directly with the person involved using clear, solution focused language

3. If you are not comfortable addressing it directly, or if the issue continues, contact the Garden District staff lead for support

4. The Garden District may facilitate a conversation, set clear expectations, or create a written plan for moving forward

5. If safety is at risk, discrimination occurs, or boundaries are violated, the Garden District may take immediate action

For urgent safety concerns, contact the Garden District staff lead immediately.

Accountability
The Garden District reserves the right to remove a participant from the program for behavior that harms others or disrupts the shared space. Serious violations may result in immediate removal.

Application acknowledgment
I understand and agree to these inclusive community standards and the conflict resolution process.

Application requirement: crop plan

A crop plan is required as part of the application. This does not need to be complicated. We want to understand what you plan to grow, your approximate timing, and whether your goal is personal use, sales, donation, or a mix. Your crop plan helps us support you, reduce conflicts between neighboring plots, and coordinate shared site needs such as water access.

Crop plan prompt
Please share a simple crop plan so we can support your success and coordinate shared resources.

List your top five crops for the season. For each crop, include:
• Crop and variety if known
• Estimated planting window and estimated harvest window
• How you plan to use the harvest: personal use, donation, sale through Garden District channels, or a mix
• Any special needs, trellising, shade cloth, high water demand, or other considerations

If you are still deciding, it is fine to estimate. Your crop plan can be updated after acceptance during orientation.

Refund and cancellation policy

Plot fees help cover shared costs, including water access, soil inputs, infrastructure, tools, and program support. Because these costs are committed before the season begins, refunds are limited.

Before the season begins
If you withdraw in writing on or before March 15, you may request a refund of your plot fee minus a $25 administrative fee.
If you withdraw in writing after March 15 and before April 15, you may request a 50 percent refund of your plot fee.

After April 15
No refunds are issued after April 15.

Transfers
If you identify another eligible participant to take over your plot and the Garden District confirms the transfer in writing, your plot fee may be transferred. Transfer requests must be submitted by April 15. Transfer fees are $25.

Program cancellation
If the Garden District must cancel the program before May 1, you will receive a full refund. If cancellation occurs on or after May 1, refunds will be prorated based on the remaining season and any committed program costs.

Removal for noncompliance
If a participant is removed from the program for noncompliance with program expectations or safety requirements, plot fees are not refundable.

How to cancel
To cancel or request a transfer, email your request and include your full name and site name.