Garden Project

The Columbus Community Garden is located just off Cessna Drive at the Columbus Municipal Airport.

Prior Community Garden Participants – 2026 Registration

Registration for the 2026 Community Garden season will begin on Monday, March 2 for prior season participants to reclaim their plots. You can submit the registration form below, along with plot payment, in person at City Hall in the Community Development office, via email at communitydevelopment@columbus.in.gov, or via mail to:

Community Development
123 Washington St.
Columbus, IN 47201

2026 Registration Form – Prior Participants Only

Prospective New Gardeners – 2026 Lottery Signup

Our new lottery system for prospective new gardeners is now live!

From now until March 20th at 5PM, those wishing to be entered into a random drawing to claim one of the available plots this season can do so by submitting the form below! The drawing will be conducted on Thursday, March 26th at 10AM. Each entrant may select to be considered for an available large plot, small plot, or be considered for either size. We will only be considering lottery entrants whose household does not currently participate in the Community Garden in order to allow for new participants. Once lottery winners are selected, they will be notified and will have until April 10th to secure their registration via registration form and plot payment. Submitting the form below does not guarantee a plot; drawings for available plots will be at random.

All Community Garden participants must live within Columbus city limits.

Community Garden Lottery Signup

FEES:

Large plot (22.5′ X 45′) – $25
Small plot (22.5′ X 22.5′) – $15

Fees can be paid by credit card, cash or check. If you have questions regarding plot assignment or payment options, please contact Community Development at communitydevelopment@columbus.in.gov or 812-376-2520.

GUIDELINES

Please do not plant trees, invasive plants, or build permanent structures. Do not plant in area(s) outside the confines of your plot(s). Failure to maintain plot(s) will result in their forfeiture.

Pesticides and herbicides are not permitted. Organic products may be used.

All gardeners maintain common areas. Please do not allow vegetation, weeds, etc. to encroach on other gardens or on common areas.

Keep your plot(s) and adjacent pathways free of trash and litter. Respect other’s property and make sure children are supervised at all times.

At the end of the season, it is your responsibility to clean up your plot(s).

Please report Water Vendor problems directly to Columbus City Utilities at 372-8861.

Remember, “keep those hands dirty” and if you are able, please plant an extra row for Love Chapel.

2026 Garden Map

Garden Rules & Guidelines

GARDEN HISTORY & INFORMATION

In 1982, the former local philanthropic organization Irwin Sweeney Miller Foundation launched a community garden project in Columbus. The initial purpose was to give city residents that did not have a suitable area for their own garden the opportunity to grow food or to practice amateur gardening. The original location for the Columbus community garden was in the area now occupied by NexusPark on 25th Street.

The city assisted Irwin Sweeney Miller Foundation with the project in 1983. The community garden was moved to Middle Road on Columbus Airport property that year. The following year, 1984, the city of Columbus assumed full management of the community garden project. The garden has remained at the Airport, but has since been moved to its third, and current location off Cessna Drive.

2024 will be the 41st year of the Columbus community garden. The current layout of the garden features 62 large plots (45′ X 22.5′) and 51 small plots (22.5′ X 22.5′). Gardeners rent plots for $25 (large plot) or $15 (small plot) for the season. The project is funded solely by gardener’s rental fees. Community garden receives support from Columbus City Utilities, Columbus Engineer’s Office, City Garage, and the Aviation Board.