Come Grow with Us!
Topeka Common Ground is an all-volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes, encourages and supports community gardens in Topeka and Shawnee County, KS.
We strive to facilitate a healthy food culture and positive community activism for people of all demographics in the Topeka area by building relationships between knowledgeable gardeners and those with the desire to learn and improve their own lives and the world around them one seed at a time! We support Community Gardens in Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas by distributing free garden seeds and seedlings, offering mini-grants to help cover the costs of garden needs, and providing access to resources and educational programming.
What is a Community Garden?
We define a community garden as a piece of land gardened by multiple households or groups of community members. Community gardens in Shawnee County take many forms. Some are simply groups of community members, each gardening in individually-assigned plots to raise food for their own use. Some are church-sponsored, and cultivated by congregational members. Some are school gardens, where student gardeners learn about natural sciences, nutrition and more. Others are sponsored by a service organization where the clients participate in the growing of food, and then use the garden produce in their group cooking or meal activities. Many community gardens donate some portion of their garden produce to local food assistance organizations.
What does “Community Garden” not mean?
Unless signs are posted stating otherwise, a community garden designation does not mean that the garden produce is free for community members who are not involved in the gardening to help themselves. In most cases, the gardeners are growing food either for their own use or for a specific purpose. Individuals who would like to be able to share in a garden’s produce should contact either Topeka Common Ground or the garden manager to inquire about becoming involved with the garden.
Support Us – Help Us Build Community through Community Gardening
Support Topeka Common Ground, Inc.’s programs by selecting us as your chosen Community Rewards organization with your Dillon’s Shopper’s Card Community Rewards Program