Water access
The Water Works Permit Office issues hydrant garden permits to community gardens and urban farmers to access a specific fire hydrant for their garden/farm when there is no other water option available. The person must have legal documentation from owner giving permission to use land. These permits are issued seasonally. The water usage is metered and paid for during the growing season.
To apply for a permit call (612) 673-2865, or see more information here: How to access City water for community gardens, market gardens, and urban farms
How the city supports community gardening
Nearly 200 community gardens exist throughout the City of Minneapolis. Community gardens promote access to good nutrition, improve the ecological systems of the city, encourage active and healthy living, and provide spaces for community building, food production and beauty in our daily lives.
- The City of Minneapolis has flexible zoning for urban agriculture.
- We lease to nearly 60 gardens on vacant City-owned lots through the Minneapolis Garden Lease Program.
In addition to community and market gardens on City-owned lots, there are other community gardens throughout the city that offer plots. If you are seeking a plot in an existing Minneapolis community garden, please talk to your neighborhood organization.
Find your neighborhood organization
Community garden compost program
Qualifying community gardens can get compost from Minneapolis Solid Waste and Recycling. Compost is:
- Low-cost or free
- Available on a first-come, first-served basis
Priority is given to gardens that:
- Have never received compost
- Have poor soil quality
- Are start-up gardens
Community Garden Compost Program
Soil testing
For private property, soil testing for lead, salt and other nutrient tests can be completed by sending soil samples to the UMN lab. Lead testing costs $15.
- University of Minnesota’s Soil Testing Laboratory
- Lawn/Garden & Professional Turf Tests
- Farm/Commercial Horticultural Fields Tests