Portland’s community gardens have been integral to the city’s landscape since 1975, offering residents spaces to grow their own food, connect with neighbors, and engage in sustainable practices. With over 60 gardens spread throughout the city, these green spaces serve as hubs for community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Fostering Community Connections
Community gardens provide a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together, share knowledge, and build relationships. For instance, the Knott Community Garden, established in 2021, was developed to serve families along the 122nd and 102nd Avenue corridors, addressing the demand for accessible gardening spaces in East Portland. Learn more about Knott Community Garden
Promoting Sustainability and Education
Beyond providing gardening plots, these spaces often incorporate sustainable design practices and educational programs. The Learning Gardens Laboratory, a 2-acre educational community garden in SE Portland, offers experiential garden-based education to learners of all ages, fostering sustainable leadership and lifelong learning. Discover the Learning Gardens Laboratory
Enhancing Food Security
Community gardens play a crucial role in enhancing food security by enabling residents to grow fresh produce. Programs like Produce for People encourage gardeners to donate surplus harvests to local food pantries, addressing hunger in the community. In the 2025 garden season, this initiative donated over 27,000 pounds of produce to more than 22 different food pantries. Read about Produce for People
For those interested in joining or starting a community garden, Portland Parks & Recreation offers resources and support to help residents get involved. Explore Portland’s Community Gardens
By participating in community gardens, Portlanders not only cultivate fresh produce but also nurture a sense of community, promote environmental sustainability, and contribute to the city’s resilience.