Yarmouth Community Garden dates back to 2003, when 15 volunteers started farming a small piece of land using water drawn from a well. Since then we have grown into one of the largest and most diversified organic community gardens in Maine. YCG is the largest community garden contributor to Maine Harvest for Hunger program.
Yarmouth Community Garden is situated on a two-acre portion of Yarmouth Town land located on East Main Street at the entrance to the Frank Knight Forest, about a mile beyond Estabrook’s and just before the transfer station. The garden has three primary areas: the one-half acre community plot, one-half acre of rental plots, and a children’s garden, all supported by working beehives.
YCG hosts various events throughout the season, and we celebrate the end of each season with our annual Harvest Dinner; a delicious, popular community farm to table dinner that includes a silent auction and raffle to raise funds for the next year’s garden.
Our community plot is planted, maintained and harvested by volunteers under the direction of the community plot coordinator. Our group of more than 100 volunteers, raises roughly 4,000 pounds of vegetables each year, and in 2020 surpassed 50,000 total pounds since our founding. We donate this fresh, organic produce to a variety of community organizations, including Yarmouth Community Food Pantry, the Summer Lunch Crunch program for Yarmouth school age children, and three senior housing complexes.
Our 132 rental plots, under the direction of the rental plot coordinator, are each 10’ x 10’ in size, with excellent soil, a sunny location, a deer fence, and a convenient water supply — plus a unique opportunity to meet and learn from fellow gardeners.
The children’s garden, directed by our dedicated coordinator, is a living playground made up of organic vegetables, and flowers. Everyone is welcome to explore the garden’s features, which include a giant sunflower house, a cucumber tunnel, and an ABC garden. Children ages 4 through 10 can also participate in our Garden Explorers Camp, also directed by the children’s garden coordinator. The children’s garden grows an array of beautiful flowers. Cut flowers from the garden are arranged by volunteers and then delivered to the senior housing complexes for their enjoyment.
Yarmouth Community Garden is a Town of Yarmouth program, administered through Yarmouth Community Services, with a free-standing steering committee. The steering committee consists of a coordinator for each of the three areas, and a team of volunteers. The garden is self-sufficient and does not use tax dollars. We rely on the generous support of businesses and individuals in the community.
Yarmouth Community Garden 