The People’s Garden on, May 4, 2022. For more information go to usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/05/03/usda-renews-peoples-garden-initiative. The Washington, D.C. People’s Garden is growing plants in a variety of ways, from small containers to wheelchair accessible raised beds. Active beehives are on the rooftop of the USDA Whitten Building. In early spring, cool weather crops like peas, kale, collards, radishes, cilantro, parsley, carrots, lettuces, beets, chard and spinach are planted, followed by warm weather crops like beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, and pumpkins in late spring and early summer. Conservation practices like cover crops and pollinator plantings are being used to conserve natural resources.

 

The garden has new signage that provides information on local and regional food systems, urban gardening, pollinators, and food waste reduction and composting, among other topics. The People’s Garden is adjacent and visible from where the USDA Farmer’s Market is set up. The USDA Farmer’s Market is open on Fridays from May to October.

 

Meanwhile, USDA has plans to launch flagship gardens in urban communities. USDA photo by Lance Cheung.