There are 200 active community and school-based gardens in the DUG network.
With the exception of a small number of gardens that serve specific communities, DUG community gardens are open to the public and managed by more than 300 volunteer Garden Leaders and stewarded by over 17,000 gardeners. The diversity of our gardens is reflected in their sizes, organizational structures, community cultures, and internal community policies.
DUG gardens are comprised of several separate garden plots that are each cared for by individuals or families.
Community gardeners care for and harvest from their own plots, or growing spaces. Plot sizes vary from garden to garden but most are 10 feet by 15 feet, or around 150 square feet.
Shared spaces like pathways, perennial herb and flower beds, sheds, and gathering spaces are cared for by all community members.
Many gardens also have spaces dedicated to growing extra produce for community redistribution in partnership with local food banks, community organizations, and mutual aid groups. Additionally, DUG community gardeners commit to donating 10% of their harvest each growing season.