Community Garden and Greenhouse Program

This program supports Montgomery County residents experiencing food insecurity in growing and accessing fresh produce, building garden and food literacy skills, and strengthening community connections.

*Individual-assigned and cooperative garden plots are reserved for individuals and/or households experiencing food insecurity. Eligibility is confirmed by submitting our application form, and no sensitive personal information is required. *

In addition to individual plots, some garden beds are managed by Holy Cross program staff to grow produce specifically for donation of community members and local partners, with the assistance of volunteers. All are welcome to become a Holy Cross Health volunteer to work in these shared beds to support food distribution efforts, learn new skills, and contribute to a healthier community.

Program participants receive access to growing space, greenhouse use, tools and materials, and ongoing education, workshops, and events on gardening, sustainability, and food literacy while working together to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Email Avery Cross, Food Security Initiatives Program Coordinator at avery.cross@holycrosshealth.org for an application to become a gardener.

Summary of steps to become a community gardener:

1. Read the Application & Agreement for program overview, and decide on what type of plot to apply for:
     2026 HCH Garden Application and Agreement (English)
     2026 HCH Garden Application and Agreement  (Espanol)
    
2. Submit online application form linked below:
     2026 HCGH Garden and Greenhouse Application (English)
     2026 HCGH Garden and Greenhouse Application (Español)
    
3. Holy Cross Health staff will confirm your plot assignment with you over email, phone, or in person.
    
4. Once given your plot assignment, attend mandatory training in Spring and receive access codes to garden ***Attending a training in person before starting is required for use.
    
5. Sign and submit Application & Agreement form during in-person training.