GrowMemphis is a collaborative effort between the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center and the low-income communities of Beltline, Binghamton, Orange Mound, North Midtown and St. Augustine-Parkway in Memphis, Tennessee. The mission of GrowMemphis is to create productive and educational urban community gardens that provide the resources for members of the community to grow fresh and nutritious food that will empower people to develop and enhance their own communities.

   These gardens provide a local food source for those in need and will empower a future generation with the important knowledge of sustainability and our connection with the Earth and with the community. Community gardening is the tool for communities to address local immediate issues and create opportunities for economic development, urban beautification and encourage interest in the sciences. Members of each neighborhood and the surrounding communities are invited to participate on every level of the project. This includes development, training, direct gardening, community outreach, special needs (access), and vocational education.

 

    Volunteers are welcome from any age group, from early childhood to the elderly. Directors and volunteers within the program will coordinate the activities of new volunteers and will provide the necessary training and assistance to make the time spent rewarding and productive.

    All of the GrowMemphis gardens employ organic methods of gardening and sustainable practices. GrowMemphis gardens focus on building healthy soil through organic composting. This leads to healthy, strong, delicious plants that resist disease and insect damage. We do not use pesticides, but instead use natural, healthy alternatives in order to have the most nutritious and healthy produce possible. We also grow plants that are native or well adapted to the local environment, leading to healthier, more productive gardens. And, of course, produce grown using organic methods is also more delicious.

    We are all looking forward to a wonderful season of growth for our gardens communities and selves. Please join us in the movement turning vacant lots into thriving centers of community!