Bloomington's community gardens are winding down for the year, and the city plans to make the program bigger. In a September 30 update, the city said its plots grew flowers, pumpkins, sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini, herbs and beans this summer. So many people want plots that the city has preliminary plans to add up to 80 more for the 2027 season.
Current gardeners have one job left this season. Under the city's rules, all man-made materials have to be off the plots by October 18. That means tomato cages, stakes, fencing and the rest. Plant material can stay. Anything man-made left behind can bring a fine of up to $50, and the city says breaking its rules can also keep you from renting a plot in future years.
Adding 80 plots would be a big jump. The city's gardens page lists 205 plots at 4 sites this year. Brookside, on the west side of Xerxes Avenue South just north of 102nd Street, is the largest with 80. Smith, on East Park Avenue South between 82nd and 83rd streets, has 54. Harrison, at 1701 W. 100th St., has 39 in-ground plots and 5 raised beds. South Loop, on East Old Shakopee Road south of 86th Street, has 32. With all 80 new plots, the program would reach as many as 285. The city hasn't said where the new plots will go.
Most plots are 10 by 15 feet. Some at South Loop are smaller, starting at 9 by 14. The raised beds at Harrison are 4 by 15. A plot costs $45 for Bloomington residents and $57 for non-residents, and you get it from late April to early October. Each household can rent up to 3 ground plots and 1 raised bed.
Want a plot next year? Watch for applications this winter. The city said returning gardeners can apply starting in February, and new gardeners can apply starting in March. The city hasn't posted exact 2027 dates. This year, returning gardeners had a February 10–19 window and everyone else could apply starting March 2. You could apply online, by phone or with a paper form. Families who qualify can get fee assistance.
If you're new, read the rules first. Fertilizer has to be 100% organic, and commercial chemical products aren't allowed. Pheromone traps and insecticidal soaps are approved alternatives. Using a non-organic product means losing your plot without a refund. This year's plots had to be planted by June 1, and water was on from early May to early October. For questions, call Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877 or email [email protected].
