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In 2020, LEAP took over management of four community gardens that were formerly run by the Roanoke Community Garden Association. In 2021, LEAP was awarded funds through the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) to upgrade infrastructure, provide tools, and organize a network of community gardeners. This is an exciting time to be growing in Roanoke! LEAP welcomes everyone to its community spaces.
Garden registration for the 2022 growing season is open to returning gardeners on Feb. 10 and to new gardeners on Feb. 22. Garden plots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If your choice for garden location is not available, you can choose another location or receive a refund.
All 4’ x 10’ or 6’ x 12’ garden plots are $30 per year. This fee provides access to water, compost, tools, and seeds. LEAP will be opening seven 20’ x 20’ plots at Morningside Community Garden after Memorial Day for $50.Scholarships are available; please reach out if you need support covering the garden registration fee. Your registration is not complete until you’ve submitted both the form and payment for your garden plot (due two weeks after submitting the form).
If you have feedback, ideas, need a scholarship, are making an additional donation, or have a special circumstance, include a message in the comments section of the form.
Register here for the 2022 gardening season.
You can pay by:
- Submitting at PayPal (@LEAPVA)
- Mailing a check, made payable to LEAP, to PO Box 3249, Roanoke VA 24015.
- Dropping off cash or check at the West End Farmers Market, 3-6 PM, at 1210 Patterson Avenue SW. LEAP's Market Manager, Connie Kenny, will accept your payment.
When you pay, consider making a donation to support LEAP's Community Gardens.
Over the course of 2022 and 2023, expect to see consistent improvements to each of our gardens. Some of these improvements will involve putting plastic tarps on the ground to eliminate Bermuda grass (wiregrass) from garden areas. This process requires taking sections out of operation over a two-year period. LEAP plans to be strategic about this process to ensure the maximum amount of garden space stays in production. Read about detailed plans to improve the gardens under each garden's photo.
LEAP is also organizing a Roanoke Community Gardens Network to strengthen and uplift Roanoke-based gardening efforts through education, outreach, and resource development. The network includes: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Roanoke Master Gardeners, One Valley (George Washington Carver Garden), Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization, The Harvest Collective, Garden Variety Harvests, Carilion Community Health and Outreach, The Giving Garden in Salem, Lick Run Farm, Roanoke Redevelopment Housing Authority, CommUnity Arts Reach, The Hope Center, and the Roanoke Tree Stewards.
Let us know if you'd like to get involved in the Roanoke Community Gardens Network.
Questions? Reach out to LEAP's Community Gardens Manager Davey Rogner Stewards at davey@leapforlocalfood.org or 540-947-1589.
If you'd like to volunteer in the gardens, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll follow up shortly.
Members of the community can rent a plot in one of LEAP’s Community Gardens and grow annual vegetables and flowers for themselves, to share with friends, or to donate.
Although each garden location is unique, each LEAP Community Garden is equipped with irrigation, hand tools, compost, and support from the community gardens manager.
These plots range in size at each of our garden locations, and the rental price is calculated according to the square footage.
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Registration has closed for the 2023 season because all garden plots are reserved.
There is still time to get on the waitlist.
Questions? Reach out to LEAP's Community Gardens Manager at: gardens@leapforlocalfood.org or 540-947-1589.