Growing Health, Growing Community: Why Knoxville Needs a Community Garden

Across Iowa, community gardens have become powerful hubs of nourishment, learning, and connection. From Cedar Rapids’ urban garden networks to Decorah’s school-based plots, these shared spaces have proven again and again that when a community grows food together, something remarkable happens: people grow together too.

As Mint ’N More Foundation launches Knoxville’s new community garden, we’re not just building raised beds and fencing—we’re planting the seeds for a healthier, more connected, more resilient community. Here’s what the garden will offer, how it will work, and why it matters now more than ever.

Why a Community Garden Matters

1. Improving Food Security & Access to Fresh, Local Produce

In Iowa, food insecurity affects thousands of households, including many right here in Marion County. Community gardens in places like Fairfield and DeWitt have shown that giving people access to land—along with the knowledge to grow their own food—helps families stretch food budgets, eat more nutrient-dense meals, and gain confidence in producing their own fresh produce.

Our garden will prioritize:

• Affordable or free plot access

• Donation beds supplying fresh produce to local food assistance programs

• Education that empowers people to grow food at home and in community

• A safe, inclusive space where everyone can participate, regardless of experience

2. Supporting Mental & Physical Health

Iowa community gardens consistently report significant improvements in member well-being. Gardening reduces stress, improves mood, increases physical activity, and helps people spend more time outdoors. It’s a natural wellness practice that reconnects us with the seasons and with each other.

3. Building Community Connection & Belonging

In Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and Decorah, community gardens have become intergenerational gathering places—where new residents meet longtime neighbors, kids see where their food comes from, and volunteers work side by side to care for shared spaces.

Our Knoxville garden will foster that same sense of belonging through:

• Communal herb, flower, and pollinator beds

• Volunteer days

• Workshops and mini classes

• Children’s gardening activities

• Shared tools and resources

Community gardens thrive when people feel ownership and pride—and we can’t wait to cultivate that together.

How the Garden Will Work

We’ve studied Iowa’s most successful community garden models—like Des Moines’ Community Garden Coalition and Cedar Rapids’ Urban Agriculture Network—to create a structure that is organized, supportive, and easy for people to join.

1. Garden Plot Options

Gardeners will be able to reserve their own raised beds or in-ground plots for the season. Options may include:

• Standard beds for families or individuals

• Accessible raised beds for seniors or people with limited mobility

• Communal “give-back” beds for growing produce for food donation partners

2. Shared Infrastructure & Resources

To make gardening accessible to everyone, the space will include:

• Perimeter fencing for security and deer protection

• A shared toolshed with essential garden tools

• Water access and hoses

• Compost area for garden waste

• Mulch, soil, and other essentials at key times of the year

3. Seasonal Workshops & Learning Opportunities

Many Iowa community gardens provide education—because knowledge is as important as soil.

Mint ’N More will offer:

• Beginner gardening classes

• Soil health and composting lessons

• Children’s workshops

• Seasonal events (seed swaps, planting days, fall cleanups)

• Nutrition and cooking classes

We believe healthy communities grow from the ground up, and education is part of that growth.

4. Community Standards That Keep the Space Welcoming

Drawing from best practices statewide, we’ll have simple guidelines to ensure the garden stays productive and enjoyable for everyone:

• Maintain your plot (we’ll help you learn how!)

• Be respectful of neighbors

• Volunteer for at least one workday

• Share abundance and knowledge

We’ll also offer mentorship and support so no one feels lost—whether they’re planting their first lettuce seed or their hundredth tomato.

Who Benefits?

🌱 Individuals & Families

• Access to fresh, affordable, nutrient-dense food

• Stress relief and physical activity

• Hands-on learning for children

• A chance to build gardening skills for life

🌱 The Community

• More resilient local food systems

• Increased food donations to local food assistance programs

• Stronger connections between neighbors

• More opportunities for volunteers and civic engagement

• A healthier, more vibrant town culture

🌱 The Local Environment

• Improved pollinator habitat

• Soil regeneration & composting programs

• Reduced food miles and packaging waste

Community gardens across Iowa have shown that they make neighborhoods safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient. Knoxville deserves the same.

Join Us in Growing Something Beautiful

The Mint ’N More Community Garden is more than a set of raised beds—it’s a place where community health, local food, education, and connection all come together. With your support, we can build the infrastructure needed to make this garden thrive: fencing, water lines, shed, soil, and supplies.

Whether you want to garden with us, volunteer, donate, or attend one of our workshops, we’d love to have you as part of this growing movement.

Together, we can cultivate health by nourishing agriculture—right here at home.