Community Garden Program and Plots

Garden and grow your skills


Come see all you can sprout in the rich soil at Dodge Nature Center! Join Dodge’s Community Garden Program, offered at the Main Property in West St. Paul and Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove.

Join the program by renting a plot. You’ll get a garden plot package (see details below), guidance from Dodge’s experienced staff and volunteers, and a supportive community of fellow gardeners. Read this Information Sheet for more details.

Garden Plot Package

A garden plot rental includes an approximately 15′ x 15′ plot, water, use of tools, compost as a soil amendment, and an organic gardening class with Dodge’s experienced staff or volunteers.

Age: Adults 18+. To garden with someone under 18, we need a Minors Permission Form on file (linked below).
Cost: $140/plot
Dates: Mid-May to mid-October. Exact open and close dates are communicated via email to gardeners.


Registration for the 2026 growing season is closed. Come back next year!

Minors Permission Form

If you plan on gardening with someone under 18, we need a Minors Permission Form on file.

Submit a Form
Mark your calendar! These classes are included with your plot rental.

2026 Gardener Sessions

Main Property in West St. Paul

1701 Charlton Street

Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove

8946 70th Street S

Gardener Orientation Session
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
6:00 p.m.

Learn Organic Gardening Practices
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Gardener Orientation Session
Thursday, April 16, 2026
6:00 p.m.

Learn Organic Gardening Practices
Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:00 p.m.

Questions?

Email [email protected] or call Don, Farm Director, at 651-789-5285.

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