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Community Garden Takes Root
We’re excited to announce a brand-new community garden at 701 E Montgomery Street in Knoxville, Iowa. Made possible through the efforts of the Mint 'N More Foundation and generous community donors, work has started and our first plots will be ready for the 2026 growing season. This project is about more than just growing vegetables—it’s about growing community, resilience, health, and hope. Read on to learn more about how we hope to benefit our community and how the garden will work.
Why build a Community Garden?
Mint 'N More Foundation is passionate about connecting eaters to growers and increasing access to nutrient dense whole food diets. Too many in our community are facing rising food costs, food insecurity, and a lack of access to fresh produce. At the same time, we’re seeing a decline in traditional gardening knowledge, lost connections to nature and a growing desire for meaningful connection with our food sources and our neighbors. Our community garden is designed to meet these challenges head-on—with dirt under our nails and neighbors by our side.
Scroll on to see why we are building a community garden, how it will operate and see the full resource list including garden applications.
Garden REsources
WHy do we need a community garden?
How will it work?
The garden at 7th and Montgomery will feature up to 15 individual plots for rent plus common areas for perennial plants like herbs, berry bushes, fruit trees and pollinator habitat that is available to all garden participants. Applications are now open for the 2026 growing season along with the full 2026 Garden Manual Here’s what gardeners and the public can expect:
Plot Access and Responsibilities
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Members can sign up for plots starting in December 2025 (first-come, first-served, with scholarships available for low-income gardeners).
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Gardeners are responsible for planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting their own plot.
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Organic gardening methods only—no chemical fertilizers or pesticides allowed.
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Gardeners must mulch their plot borders, maintain clear paths, and keep the garden tidy.
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If you're away for an extended time, you're responsible for arranging help or informing the coordinator.
Tools and Water Access
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A shared tool lending library will be available.
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Water is provided on-site, with a hose and lock system to ensure fair and responsible use.
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Members are expected to care for shared resources and respect garden infrastructure.
Community participation
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The garden will host learning sessions for members and the public and welcome visits.
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Each member is asked to volunteer 4 hours per season to maintain common areas.
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Monthly garden work days (June–October) offer chances to connect and contribute.
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Special events like our Mid-March Get Growing Party and November Winterizing Party will help guide transitions in the growing season.
Prohibited Practices
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Invasive plants (like mint, morning glory, or Jerusalem artichokes) are not allowed. Perennial plants will be grown in common areas for access by all members.
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No commercial growing or selling of produce.
Fencing within plots must stay within defined limits—no colorful plastic fencing or obstructions in pathways.
No harvesting from others’ plots without permission.