Boston Free Raised Garden Bed Program Reaches Capacity for 2026

BOSTON, MA — The city is continuing a free raised garden bed program aimed at helping lower-income residents grow food and strengthening neighborhood food systems. The program also provides garden beds to nonprofit organizations and public facilities such as libraries, community centers, and public housing communities.

GrowBoston launched the program in 2023 using American Rescue Plan Act funding and plans to construct 800 beds. According to the city program page, 606 beds had been completed. The remaining 194 beds are scheduled to be installed between June and December.

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The city has reached its installation capacity for 2026. Residents interested in receiving a bed can complete an online interest form to join the waitlist for next year, however, submitting the form does not guarantee an installation. Eligible recipients are primarily lower-income residents in Boston neighborhoods most affected by food insecurity.

Several community organizations are assisting with construction. The Food Project is building 200 beds for households in Roxbury and Dorchester, while Green City Growers is constructing 175 beds across the city. The Urban Farming Institute is providing beds for 40 households in Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury. Other participating organizations are building beds for households, youth programs, public facilities and food-distribution sites.

The city is also offering gardening education through its Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program. Gardeners in East Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury can receive one-on-one assistance with soil testing, planting, garden maintenance and sustainable food production. These services are available to neighborhood gardeners regardless of whether they received a city-built bed.

Additional information and the waitlist application are available through the city's Raised Bed Program website.

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