For Kentuckians, Derby season signifies the time of year when it’s safe to start planting flowers + vegetables.

Now that spring has sprung, we’re here to herb your enthusiasm with a roundup of ways to get involved in community gardens to cultivate your green thumb.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about horticulture or pick free fruit, these local spots and programs are tilled + picked just for you. 🍅
Learning programs
Seedleaf, a community gardening organization, offers training + educational opportunities for all ages. For more information, contact social@seedleaf.org.

SEEDS | This program provides agricultural training for 11-14 year olds to get them working in the garden during the summer months of June and July. Enrollment for Lexington-Fayette County students begins in May.
F.R.E.S.H.S | Standing for Food Research and Environmental Studies for High Schoolers, this program gives students an opportunity to work twice a week in the historic London Ferrell Community Garden.
The Market Gardener | This program provides adults with beginner farm + horticultural training. Participants who successfully complete their training hours are given land on which to grow produce for local markets.

Volunteer
Gardens don’t grow without gardeners. Seedleaf’s Get in the Garden volunteer initiative offers weekly open volunteer hours through Tues., Nov. 1. No experience or sign-up is required. Pro-tip: Bring your own gloves + start by filling out the volunteer waiver here.

Mondays | 845 Bryan Ave., 5-6 p.m.
Tuesdays | 150 Northland Dr., 3-5 p.m.
Thursdays | 245 E. Third St., 4-6 p.m.
Fridays | 909 N. Limestone, 5-6 p.m.
Saturday | 415 Roosevelt Blvd., 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

U-pick sites
There are many free gardens around Lexington that encourage folks to pick whatever is ripe.

The Bread Box, 501 W. Sixth St., in the West Sixth Brewery parking lot
Bryan Avenue Community Garden, 845 Bryan Ave.
Ohio Street Garden, 544 Ohio St.
Roosevelt Boulevard Community Garden, 415 Roosevelt Blvd.

Start your own community garden
Do you know a place where no one ever grows? The Parks & Recreation Planning and Design Office of Lexington partners with gardeners who want to garden on public lands. Whether you want to beautify a roadway median or install a rain garden, here’s how you can get started:

Learn the rules | Follow these 15 rules + regulations to help your garden thrive.
Fill out the application | Applications must be coordinated with your neighborhood association + city councilmember.
Renew your garden | Approvals last one year, but you have the option to renew each subsequent year.