Community Gardens

Since 2020, volunteers have planted and maintained three community victory gardens in south La Crosse. These were first established by the city when COVID-19 made indoor gatherings dangerous and exacerbated food insecurity. The gardens were meant to complement existing gardens including Kane Street, GROW school gardens, the Y's food forest, and more.

Five years later, the La Crosse Community Victory Gardens are still going strong and still producing fresh, healthy produce for anyone who wants to pick a meal. There is no work requirement to pick some veggies from these gardens.

On Monday, November 11 from noon to 2 p.m. there will be a volunteer garden cleanup at the City Hall garden (on the EAST side of the building) to plant garlic for next year and clean up the growing beds. Everyone is welcome. There may still be broccoli and greens available here, too.

The Aptiv garden, 3000 South Ave., is the largest. Hosted by Aptiv, the victory garden expanded their existing growing area and expanded the opportunities for neighbors, staff, and Aptiv clients to access food, exercise, and community. Currently, you can pick broccoli, chard, and kale from that garden. Volunteers meet weekly at 9 a.m. (8 in summer) to weed, plant, and harvest. Excess produce goes to WAFER.

The Hogan Garden, between 19th & East Ave. on Mississippi, may be at an end depending upon what happens with School District plans. It has been put to bed for this year. A dedicated group of neighborhood gardeners may seek a replacement site for future years.

This all-volunteer movement of community gardeners welcomes new volunteers to plan, plant, maintain, and harvest. No experience is needed. If you are interested, email Ministerofbeans @ Gmail or text or call 6083152693.

Maintaining and expanding opportunities for community support for life's necessities will be increasingly important in the coming years. Growing gardens to feed our neighbors is a  revolutionary act.