To create a new garden space or revive an existing one, residents need to go through their local Property Management Office.

You can contact NYCHA Resident Health Initiatives staff, who oversee the Garden program by email or phone if you need any help at any point: gardens@nycha.nyc.gov or calling (212) 306-8282.

NYCHA resident gardens include:

• Green spaces tended by an individual resident

• Green spaces tended by groups of residents

Resident gardens may also receive support from partner organizations, including NYC Parks' GreenThumb program, GrowNYC, and other groups. Those groups have their own screening procedures, but working with an outside group is not required.

Below, please find the NYCHA's Garden rules.

1) All resident gardens must be registered on a bi-annual basis (every two years).

a. Residents may access a copy of the Application online or by visiting the Property Management Office.

b. Gardeners submit completed Applications to the Property Management Office for review.

c. Property Managers provide a copy of approved Application(s) to the Lead Gardener and to gardens@nycha.nyc.gov.

2) Gardeners must submit a separate Registry Application for each garden site.

a. In most cases, a resident may serve as a Lead Gardener for no more than two (2) garden sites.

3) Garden location and size is subject to approval by the Property Manager and/or Property Maintenance Supervisor.

4) Gardeners are responsible for maintenance of each garden they have been approved to cultivate.

a. Gardeners should be responsive to input from NYCHA staff and other community members regarding garden maintenance issues.

b. Gardens must be kept clean and free of garbage/debris/weeds and left neatly organized at the end of the gardening season.

c. Garden sites should primarily feature plants; excessive use of non-living, decorative ornaments is prohibited. Additional items such as storage units for tools and other garden supplies are subject to the review and approval of Property Management.

d. NYCHA may remove or reassign gardens that are not currently registered or actively maintained in order to promote health and safety.

5) Edible plants grown for human consumption must be grown in raised beds. For more information on clean soil and soil testing email gardens@nycha.nyc.gov.

6) Gardeners are encouraged to form gardening groups to promote the sustainability of garden sites. Gardeners in need of support forming a group or maintaining a garden site should contact Property Management, email gardens@nycha.nyc.gov, or call (212) 306-8282.

7) Gardens should be accessible to NYCHA residents.

a. Gardeners are encouraged to include a sign indicating the name of the garden. Signs may also include gardener contact information and relevant information such as the garden’s hours of operation and upcoming events.

b. Resident gardeners may hold small community events within or nearby their gardens. All events must receive a Property Manager’s written approval. Such events could include Earth Day and harvest festivals, health fairs, easter egg hunts, tree-plantings, cooking demonstrations, healing circles, etc.

9) As a reminder, gardens are for the safe enjoyment of NYCHA residents.

a. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in gardens and all NYCHA common areas.

b. Smoking tobacco or marijuana/cannabis is prohibited within 25 feet of all NYCHA buildings.

c. Barbecuing within or around the garden area is prohibited without a permit.

d. Property Managers may deny future garden application entries based on such activities.