Have you heard of My City Gardens? This yardsharing site (think freeshare, couchsurfing and car sharing groups) that connects landowners who don’t have the time or energy to roll up their sleeves and get dirty, with neighbors who are eager to get into gardens and grow things. Participants share land and skill, but also the fruits (sometimes actual fruits!) of their labor. My City Gardens is a Boston-based venture, but I feel like it’s only time until we see something similar in New York.

Looking at the map, some of the requests are really wonderful:

“looking for some dirt to play in. Have gardened for many years and current landlord won’t allow it. Just looking to grow some random things and willing to help and share, after all ~ isn’t that what gardening is all about. Was a docent at Smith College Greenhouse. Like to share knowledge and plants. For instance, dd you know Fennel makes a great privacy hedge? Or rabbit poop is gold? Looking forward to getting dirty with some neighborhood kids! Best regards ”

“Hi, I have a nice city yard, we are walking distance to the Orange line T. We would be happy to offer space and also to have students teach us about gardening, composting and raised beds. Please be in touch! We have a hose/water and some storage space.”