Homegrown

Homegrown is a Phipps program dedicated to increasing community access to fresh produce, promoting better food choices, and improving the overall health of families and children.

Since its inception in 2013, Homegrown has installed over 400 raised-bed vegetable gardens at households in underserved neighborhoods and provided mentorship and resources to hundreds of community members. The Homegrown program began in Homewood, and has since expanded to include Larimer, Lincoln-Lemington, Belmar, East Hills, and the Greater Hazelwood area (Hazelwood and Glen Hazel).

Phipps is solely taking applications for new Homegrown gardens from residents in the Greater Hazelwood area at this time, with plans for continued expansion in the future.

Apply Today

Homegrown helps families keep their gardens growing by building and honing participants' gardening skills and knowledge. Covering topics from weed and pest management to healthy cooking skills, monthly classes allow new gardeners to realize the full potential of their raised beds while offering opportunities for neighbors to connect.

Phipps will continue to nurture healthy communities as the Homegrown program expands into neighborhoods that are challenged by food insecurity and its significant impacts on health and families.

Learn more about the mission and impact of Homegrown here:   

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How We Work

The program supports participants over two years, equipping them with the resources they need to become self-sufficient gardeners. Each family receives help with installation, plus these free materials: 

• Two 3' × 5' raised beds
• Soil, seeds and plants 
• Garden tools 

After each garden is installed, Homegrown keeps in touch throughout the season, offering participants: 

• Regular check-ins and garden visits to answer questions
• Gardening and cooking workshops 
• Help getting started again the second year

By enrolling in Homegrown, participants commit to: 

• Participate in the program for two years 
• Attend monthly classes when able
• Take care of the gardens throughout the season

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The Power of a Single Garden

One garden does far more than produce vegetables. It grows confidence and community. It provides hope for the future. It inspires healthier, better lives. "Food gardening is really about self-reliance and strengthening connections with neighbors, family and friends," says Lauren Delorenze, community outreach coordinator. "Phipps' Homegrown program gives participants the ability to provide for themselves, empowering them with garden knowledge and skills they need to confidently grow their own food for years to come and to share their edible bounty with others, bringing people together."

We encourage you to build a raised-bed garden of your own and to show your support for this important initiative — your involvement will change lives for the better.

Donate Now

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Build Your Own Raised-Bed Garden

Want to follow the Homegrown model in your own backyard or community? Get your kids involved in this hands-on activity with positive, healthy lifelong rewards! Start with The Homegrown Handbook, our comprehensive guide that takes you from frame-building to seeds, placement, pest control and harvesting:

The Homegrown Handbook (PDF)

Or access our additional resources for specific topics:

How to Build a Raised Bed Garden (PDF)

Guide to Square Foot Gardening (PDF)

Vegetable Gardening Guide

Indoor Seed Starting Calendar (PDF)

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Additional Impact

Homegrown’s focus and impact go beyond garden installations and mentoring to include:

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The Homegrown Herald

The Homegrown Herald is a seasonal garden newsletter written by the staff of the Homegrown program and distributed to Homegrown participants. Each issue contains gardening tips, healthy recipes, upcoming events, garden success stories and more. An archive of our previous issues appears below.