Tampa Opens New Community Garden News General, News Parking Calling all green thumbs the City of Tampa’s Parking Division has a unique opportunity for you to 'Grow With[...]

Calling all green thumbs -- the City of Tampa's Parking Division has a unique opportunity for you to "Grow With Us!"

Starting Wednesday, October 22, through Wednesday, November 5, the City will begin accepting online applications for residents interested in securing gardening beds in our new Parking Community Garden. Paper applications are also available from the Parking Offices on the 3rd Floor of Ft. Brooke Garage.

Participation is FREE!

Located on the east side of the Whiting Street Garage, this new community garden will feature 54 raised beds (2'x2'x4'), with 41 available to City of Tampa residents ages 18 and older. Applicants may request up to two beds for planting, and gardening tools will be available on site.

Due to the limited number of beds, a lottery system will be used to select participants from the list of applicants. The drawing will be held in late November / early December and planting is expected to begin in February / March 2026. Gardeners will receive special access via a Bluetooth-enabled lock and can tend to their beds daily from dawn to dusk.

Participants will have the opportunity to grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs, while supporting the City's broader goals to:

• Encourage residents to spend more time outdoors.
• Foster healthy eating habits through the cultivation of fresh, organic foods.
• Build community and inclusion through a shared interest in gardening.
• Activate underutilized City property for community benefit.
• Provide hands-on education about water reclamation, recycling, propagating and cultivating crops, and composting.

Please note: The use of tobacco, illegal substances, chemical pesticides, and fertilizers are strictly prohibited.

For more information and to apply, visit Tampa.gov/PCG