ReImagine Food Systems
Backyard Garden Program
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ReImagine Food Systems’ backyard garden program is a local initiative dedicated to increasing community access to healthy, fresh produce and pollinator-friendly places through regenerative gardens. By providing materials, resources, and education we hope to eliminate barriers to home gardening and foster a connection between people, food, and the earth. A garden can bring healthy food options and empowerment to a family that lives in one of the many local food deserts. Gardening in this way becomes a revolutionary act. And our work incrementally brings radical change 1 raised garden bed at a time!
What are the benefits of a backyard garden?
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Helps you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
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The shorter the distance from harvest to table, the healthier the food.
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Freedom to choose organic fertilizers and pest management solutions.
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You control when to harvest your food allowing you to pick them when they are ripe and full of nutrients.
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Increase the number and diversity of beneficial insects in your backyard
ReImagine Food Systems focuses on promoting a more sustainable and viable future for communities by providing healthy and equitable food systems. Our program empowers households with the tools and education they need to grow food in their own yards, which leads to healthier dinner plates and healthier communities.
Photos from Our Past Installations!
two gardeners adding poles and string to garden bed for green beans to climb.
A young gardener adding seeds to the garden in his backyard.
winter vegetable garden labels
two gardeners adding poles and string to garden bed for green beans to climb.
Backyard Garden program provides:
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Soil testing for toxins
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One or two 3’x5’X12” raised garden beds for vegetable depending on space
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Seeds or plants appropriate for the season
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Guidance on maintaining a garden
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Follow-up visits to answer questions and guide gardeners
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A contact to answer questions during business hours
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY APPLICATION DUE: February 6, 2024
WESTMORELAND COUNTY APPLICATION DUE: March 4th, 2024
If you are interested in volunteering or joining our planning committee email the applicable account :
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Allegheny County: reimaginefoodsystems@gmail.com
Westmoreland County: rifswestmoreland@gmail.com
How we are doing it:
Our program works with participants for 2 years. Each year, we provide seeds and seedlings for spring, summer, and fall crops and plenty of hands-on education for planting, watering, harvesting, managing pests and more. Each visit is tailored to each household’s specific needs.
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To get started, first-year gardeners participate in (1) a site assessment where we assess the outdoor area, collect soil samples, and go over details about how our program works, (2) physical installation of the garden beds. Don’t worry, we have volunteers to help with the heavy stuff! (3) Planting seeds and young vegetables. Don’t fret, we have Master Gardeners and friendly volunteers to guide you! (4) We also provide check-ins throughout the growing season to help our gardeners stay focused and learning at each stage.
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Second year gardeners also receive seeds, seedlings and focused education with our Master Gardeners and volunteers. Site visits may be less frequent as gardeners become more confident and demonstrate good gardening practices.
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Learn more about the Reimagine TCWAC effort by visiting the Reimagine TCWAC page on Facebook or emailing reimaginetcwac@gmail.com.