Gardens and Urban Agriculture

Gardens and urban agriculture are encouraged in the Raleigh Strategic Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan. The many benefits of gardens and urban agriculture include increasing access to healthy, locally grown food; preserving green spaces; and providing community connections that bring people closer to nature and the soil.

This page provides information about different types of gardens and urban agriculture found in the City of Raleigh and provides additional information to assist those looking to start their own. Information is divided into two categories: Agriculturally Based Gardens, which are focused on the production of food and consumables; and Non-Agriculturally Based Gardens, which do not directly deal in the production of consumable goods.

Agriculturally Based Gardens

Planter's box filled with growing spinach plants

Home Gardens

A home garden is generally owned by a single-family or two-family residence and is used to grow fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, or herbs for personal use.

Learn more about home gardens

Community Gardens

Community gardens are areas of land managed and maintained by a group of individuals to grow and harvest food crops and/or non-food ornamental crops. Crops are generally used for personal or group use, consumption, sale, or donation.

Learn more about community gardens

Urban Farms

An urban farm grows food-producing or ornamental plants and crops for sale on-site or off-site. Examples of what an urban farm might produce include bees, fish, poultry, or small to medium-sized farm animals.

Learn more about urban farms

Non-Agriculturally Based Gardens

Flowers growing in front of picket fence

Pollinators and Pollinator Gardens

One out of every three bites of our food is made possible by pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies. Pollinators and pollinator gardens protect species and habitat essential to a sustainable food system.

Learn more about pollinator gardens

A garden with green plants that clean rainwater flowing from the driveway

Rain Gardens

A rain garden, or bioretention area, is a planted area that helps prevent water pollution. Plants collect and clean rainwater coming from roads, sidewalks, roofs, driveways, and patios before it reaches our waterways. Our Rainwater Rewards Program will help you pay for a rain garden on your home or business property.

Learn more about rain gardens

Educational Opportunities

Several City of Raleigh departments provide education and workshops related to gardening and pollinators. Here are a few examples:

Raleigh Parks hosts gardening and pollinator classes, programs for youth, and hands on volunteer opportunities.
Stormwater has a rain garden program.
Solid Waste Services provides education about composting.

View current opportunities on our events page.