I'm a big proponent of community gardens, and not just because I met my husband in one. Albuquerque community gardens are places where even apartment dwellers can get in the dirt, dig in some seeds and see what comes up. Urban gardens are more than just places for growing food. They are places where other, soul nourishing interactions can take root and grow. See what Albuquerque has to offer in the way of community gardens, and then dig in. Albuquerque may be located in the high desert, but it is a great place to garden and to find fresh produce at local farmers markets.
Alvarado Urban Farm
Location: 101 Silver SW
Contact: 243-2230
Growing Awareness Urban Farm
Location: 123 Vermont NE (East Central Ministries)
Contact: 266-3590
Growing Awareness Urban Farm is a project of East Central Ministries. The garden supports the surrounding neighborhood in a number of ways in addition to providing fresh, local food. The garden provides the neighborhood with various jobs, such as tending the garden and creating olla clay pots.
The project has grown from a few seedlings to several micro-businesses. There is a nursery, an apiary, chicken coops, demonstration and community gardens, a playground with edible landscaping, worm composting and a small store. All profits go directly back to the community.
La Placita Gardens at Sanchez Farms
Location: Lopez and Arenal SWContact: La Plazita Institute, 508-1802 or laplazainstitute@hotmail.com
La Placita Gardens is part of the historic Sanchez Farms in Albuquerque's south valley. The organic community farm includes many partners, such as neighborhood children from a nearby charter school, agricultural specialists and community activists. They grow organic vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants and flowers which are sold at the South Valley and Nob Hill Farmers Markets and through community supported agriculture shares.
Project Feed the Hood
Location: International DistrictContact: Rodrigo Rodriguez at (505) 247-8832
Project Feed the Hood is a food literacy community garden in Albuquerque's International District. Its goal is to engage people in a food system that teaches them about agriculture while improving the community's health.
Rio Grande Community Farm
Location: Northwest corner of Los Poblanos Open Space (off Montano, west of Fourth Street)Contact: Email the garden coordinator at garden@riograndefarm.org
The Rio Grande Community Farm (RGCF) is a certified organic farm in Albuquerque which is run by the city of Albuquerque's Open Space division. The community garden is one facet of the farm, and welcomes gardeners from beginner to expert. Run on two acres in the northwest corner of the Los Poblanos Open Space, food grown in the community garden can go home with the gardener or be donated to a local food bank.
The Source Community Garden
Location: 3538 Anderson SEContact: (505) 265-5900
The Source is a local wellness center, with a small community garden located within its grounds.
UNM Lobo Gardens
Location: Four locations.Contact: Mona Angel, mona123@unm.edu
The Lobo Gardens provides UNM students, faculty and staff the opportunity to learn about food cultivation in a community setting. They provide opportunities for research, education and programs around urban food. The gardens have locations at Hokona Hall on UNM campus, at the UNM Real Estate Department, at UNM Telehealth, and at Martineztown House of Neighborly Service.
