Garden  

 

MHC stewards an on-site garden, where community member come together to share knowledge and grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers - all in ways that are sustainable and frugal. Over the years, MHC's gardens have grown more than 24,000 pounds of organic produce. Our pantry garden showcases many gardening techniques and are open-harvest, so community members are welcome to walk around and harvest the produce to take home.

 

During the growing season, we host weekly drop-in garden work dates. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join and learn gardening skills while growing produce for our food pantry. No need to bring anything but a good attitude--we supply the garden, the tools, the plants, and a plan.

​

Gardening with Youth

While children are invited and encouraged to explore our full garden, our youth coordinator Georgia also maintains the Kids Garden, helping them plant, maintain, harvest, and learn from a garden just for them. In 2026, the garden's educational opportunities will expand to include a sensory play space for additional digging and an introduction to the Hub's first colony of honey bees. 

​

Join us for Kids Garden,  a drop-in, weekly program for youth of all ages in the garden, on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 beginning in May 2026.

​

Weekly Workdays

Weekly drop-in workdays are each Thursday (beginning April 30, 2026) from 4 to 6 pm at the Hub. No garden experience expected, but your expertise is welcome! Come when you can, and leave when you need to. Email Kai at garden@mhcfoodpantry.org to learn more about gardening with the Hub.

 

Our garden program also distributes free compost, plant starts, and seeds and hosts workshops throughout the year. Check out our social media and event calendar to stay up-to-date on these opportunities!

​

Garden Sponsors 

The Hub’s Garden Program would not exist without many generous donors, including the City of Bloomington's Sustainable and Economic Development's Sustainability Program. 

​

2026 Garden Program In-Kind donors include:

• Fedco Seeds

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company

• Johnny's Selected Seeds​