How to Explore East Harriet Neighborhood Farms

The East Harriet neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is more than just a quiet residential enclave—it’s a thriving hub of urban agriculture, community-driven food systems, and grassroots environmental stewardship. Nestled between Lake Harriet and the bustling corridors of 38th Street and Lyndale Avenue, East Harriet is home to a unique network of neighborhood farms that blend sustainability, education, and local culture. Unlike large-scale commercial farms, these small-scale plots are cultivated by residents, schools, and nonprofit organizations with the shared goal of increasing food sovereignty, reducing carbon footprints, and strengthening neighborhood bonds.

Exploring East Harriet neighborhood farms isn’t just about visiting gardens—it’s about engaging with a living ecosystem where soil health, pollinator habitats, composting, and seasonal eating are practiced daily. Whether you’re a local resident looking to get involved, a visitor interested in urban farming models, or a student researching community resilience, understanding how to explore these spaces thoughtfully and respectfully opens the door to deeper connections with your food and your neighbors.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate, appreciate, and contribute to East Harriet’s neighborhood farms. From identifying key locations and understanding seasonal rhythms to learning ethical visitation practices and leveraging local tools, this tutorial equips you with the knowledge to become an informed and active participant in one of Minneapolis’s most inspiring urban agriculture movements.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research and Map Key Farm Locations

Before stepping foot onto any neighborhood farm, begin with digital reconnaissance. East Harriet’s farms are not always listed on public directories, so start with local resources. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board maintains a list of community gardens in the area, including the East Harriet Community Garden located near 37th Street and Lyndale Avenue. Additionally, the nonprofit organization Urban Farming Initiative of Minnesota partners with several East Harriet households to convert lawns into productive food plots.

Use Google Maps and satellite imagery to identify green spaces with raised beds, compost bins, or signage indicating community use. Cross-reference these with the Minneapolis Community Garden Network interactive map, which updates seasonal plots and contact information for garden coordinators. Pay special attention to properties labeled “allotment garden,” “food forest,” or “educational farm.” These are often the most accessible for visitors.

Some notable locations include:

• East Harriet Community Garden (3700 block of Lyndale Ave S)
• The Honeycomb Farm (private residential plot, open by appointment)
• St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Urban Farm (3710 W 38th St)
• Harriet Park Edible Landscape (adjacent to Lake Harriet, managed by Friends of Lake Harriet)

Take note of accessibility features—parking, ADA-compliant pathways, and public transit access via the

12 or #14 bus lines. This will help you plan a visit that’s inclusive and convenient.

Step 2: Understand Seasonal Cycles and Farm Rhythms

Neighborhood farms operate on the natural calendar, not the corporate one. Each season brings different activities, harvests, and opportunities for engagement. Spring (April–May) is planting season: seedlings are transplanted, compost is turned, and raised beds are amended with organic matter. This is the best time to volunteer for soil prep or attend a “Planting Day” event.

Summer (June–August) is the peak season for harvest and community gatherings. Vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, kale, and strawberries flourish. Many farms host potlucks, farm-to-table dinners, or children’s gardening workshops. Visit on a Saturday morning when gardeners are most active—you’ll likely find someone willing to give you a quick tour or share tips.

Fall (September–October) is harvest and preservation time. Look for canning demonstrations, seed-saving workshops, and cover-cropping activities. This is also when perennial plants like asparagus and rhubarb are harvested for the last time before dormancy.

Winter (November–March) may seem inactive, but it’s when planning begins. Many gardeners attend winter meetings at the Minneapolis Extension Office or host seed swap events. Even in snow, some farms maintain cold frames or hoop houses for winter greens like spinach and arugula.

Always check the farm’s social media or community bulletin boards (often posted on fence posts or local coffee shops) for event calendars. Timing your visit to coincide with a workday or harvest festival increases your chances of meaningful interaction.

Step 3: Contact Garden Coordinators or Hosts

While many East Harriet farms are open to the public, most are privately managed by volunteers or small collectives. Never assume access. Before visiting, reach out to the designated coordinator. For the East Harriet Community Garden, contact is available through the Minneapolis Park Board’s website. For private plots like Honeycomb Farm, search for the owner’s name via public property records or ask at the nearby East Harriet Library.

When contacting, be clear, polite, and specific. For example:

“Hi, I’m interested in learning more about your urban farm in East Harriet. I’m a local resident and would love to visit during a workday or open house. Could you let me know when you’re available for a brief tour or if there’s an upcoming volunteer opportunity?”

Most coordinators appreciate thoughtful outreach and are eager to share their work. Some may invite you to join a mailing list or attend a monthly meeting. This builds trust and ensures you’re not an unannounced visitor disrupting daily operations.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit

Respectful exploration begins with preparation. Wear closed-toe shoes—many plots have uneven ground, tools, or compost piles. Bring water, sunscreen, and a reusable bag for carrying produce if you’re invited to take home a harvest. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented lotions, as they can deter pollinators.

Bring a notebook or smartphone to take notes. Document plant varieties, compost methods, irrigation systems, and any signs of biodiversity (bees, ladybugs, birds). These observations will deepen your understanding and help you replicate practices elsewhere.

If you plan to photograph the farm, always ask permission. Some gardeners are protective of their designs or may be documenting their own progress for grant applications. A simple “May I take a photo for personal use?” goes a long way.

Step 5: Observe and Learn Without Interfering

Neighborhood farms are living laboratories. Resist the urge to pick produce, dig in beds, or move tools unless explicitly invited. Even well-intentioned actions can disrupt carefully planned crop rotations or damage delicate seedlings.

Instead, observe. Notice how plants are spaced to maximize sunlight. Look for companion planting—marigolds near tomatoes to deter pests, or beans climbing corn stalks. Watch how rainwater is collected in barrels, how mulch prevents weeds, and how signage labels crops with planting dates and care instructions.

Engage with the environment, not the property. Ask questions like:

• “What’s your biggest challenge this season?”
• “How do you manage soil fertility without synthetic inputs?”
• “Who helps maintain this plot, and how often?”

These questions invite dialogue and show genuine interest—not curiosity as a tourist, but as a learner.

Step 6: Volunteer or Contribute

One of the most rewarding ways to explore East Harriet farms is to participate. Most plots welcome volunteers on designated days—often Saturday mornings. Tasks may include weeding, harvesting, building compost bins, or installing drip irrigation.

Volunteering gives you insider knowledge. You’ll learn which crops thrive in clay soil, how to identify early signs of fungal disease, and how to compost coffee grounds and eggshells effectively. It also builds relationships. Many gardeners become mentors, offering advice on starting your own plot.

If you can’t volunteer time, consider donating supplies: organic seeds, hand trowels, wheelbarrows, or rain barrels. Some farms maintain “wish lists” on their websites or bulletin boards. A $20 donation to a seed fund or a bag of mushroom compost can make a significant difference.

Step 7: Share Your Experience Responsibly

After your visit, reflect on what you’ve learned. Share insights with friends, post photos (with permission), or write a blog. But avoid sensationalizing or romanticizing urban farming. Don’t label it as “quaint” or “charming”—it’s hard, skilled labor rooted in food justice.

Instead, highlight the systemic value: how these farms reduce food miles, provide fresh produce in a neighborhood with limited grocery access, and foster intergenerational learning. Tag local organizations like @UrbanFarmMN or @FriendsOfLakeHarriet to amplify their work.

Encourage others to visit—but always remind them to follow the same respectful, inquiry-based approach. Responsible tourism sustains these spaces.

Best Practices

Practice Ethical Engagement

Neighborhood farms are not tourist attractions—they are community assets. Avoid treating them like Instagram backdrops. Never enter a plot without permission, even if the gate is open. Many gardens are secured to prevent theft or vandalism. Respect fences, signs, and posted hours.

Support Food Justice, Not Charity

Some visitors assume neighborhood farms exist to “help the poor.” This is a misconception. East Harriet farms are primarily owned and operated by residents who want to reclaim control over their food system. They are not charity projects. Avoid phrases like “I’m here to help you” or “You’re doing great work for the community.” Instead, say: “I’d love to learn how this works” or “Can I join you?”

Leave No Trace

Always clean up after yourself. Pick up any trash you brought in, and never leave behind gloves, bottles, or plant cuttings. Even organic waste can introduce invasive seeds or pathogens. If you’re volunteering, return tools to their designated spots.

Respect Cultural and Racial Diversity

East Harriet is a diverse neighborhood. Many gardeners are immigrants or descendants of communities with deep agricultural traditions—from Hmong families growing bok choy and Thai basil to Somali elders cultivating okra and sesame. Honor these practices. Ask about the cultural significance of crops rather than assuming they’re “exotic” or “unusual.”

Protect Pollinators and Wildlife

Neighborhood farms are biodiversity hotspots. Avoid using insect repellent near plots. Don’t step on flowering plants or disturb nesting areas. If you see a bee hive or butterfly garden, admire from a distance. These are vital to the farm’s productivity.

Use Sustainable Transportation

Most East Harriet farms are accessible via bike, bus, or on foot. Driving and parking on residential streets can create tension with neighbors. Use Metro Transit’s Trip Planner or ride-share apps to minimize your footprint. Consider biking with a basket to carry home your harvest.

Document Thoughtfully

If you’re taking photos, videos, or notes for educational purposes, always credit the gardeners and organizations involved. Avoid using images of people without consent. When sharing online, use hashtags like

EastHarrietFarms, #UrbanAgMinneapolis, or #CommunityFoodSoil to connect with local networks.

Learn the Language of Soil and Seasons

Understand basic terms like “compost tea,” “no-till gardening,” “permaculture,” and “cover cropping.” This isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about showing you respect the expertise of those who work the land daily. If you don’t know a term, ask. Most gardeners love to teach.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

Minneapolis Community Garden Network Map – An interactive, regularly updated map of all city-supported gardens. Includes contact info, plot sizes, and volunteer schedules. Available at minneapolismn.gov/gardens.

Google Earth Pro – Use the historical imagery feature to see how East Harriet plots have evolved over the past 10 years. Many gardens started as vacant lots or overgrown lawns.

PlantSnap or PictureThis – Mobile apps that identify plants from photos. Useful for learning what’s growing in each bed. Always cross-reference with local guides, as some heirloom varieties aren’t in commercial databases.

Meetup.com – Search for “urban farming Minneapolis” or “community garden East Harriet.” Several informal groups organize monthly workdays and educational walks.

Local Organizations to Connect With

Urban Farming Initiative of Minnesota – Offers training, tool lending, and grant support for urban growers. Hosts quarterly farm tours. Website: urbanfarmingmn.org.

Friends of Lake Harriet – Manages the edible landscape along the lake trail. Volunteers needed for seasonal maintenance. Email: info@friendsoflakeharriet.org.

Minneapolis Extension Office – Part of the University of Minnesota. Offers free workshops on soil testing, pest management, and seed saving. Visit extension.umn.edu/minneapolis.

Print and Physical Resources

“The Minnesota Urban Gardener’s Handbook” – Published by the University of Minnesota Extension. Covers climate-specific tips for soil, planting, and harvesting in the Upper Midwest.

Local Libraries – The East Harriet Branch Library (3800 W 37th St) has a small collection of gardening books, seed catalogs, and maps of neighborhood plots. Ask for the “Community Food Resources” binder.

Equipment to Consider

If you’re inspired to start your own small plot, begin with these essentials:

• Hand trowel and weeding fork
• Reusable gloves (preferably cotton)
• Watering can with a rose attachment
• Compost bin (small, countertop size for apartments)
• Journal for tracking planting dates and yields

Many tools can be borrowed from the Minneapolis Tool Library (toollibrary.org) or shared through neighborhood Facebook groups like “East Harriet Swap & Share.”

Seasonal Calendars and Planting Guides

Download the Minnesota Hardiness Zone Map (Zone 4b/5a) to understand your growing window. Use the University of Minnesota Vegetable Planting Calendar to time your sowing. For example:

• March–April: Start seeds indoors (tomatoes, peppers)
• May: Transplant outdoors after last frost
• June–July: Plant succession crops (beans, carrots, radishes)
• August: Harvest early crops; plant fall greens
• September–October: Harvest root vegetables; plant garlic

Real Examples

Example 1: The Honeycomb Farm – A Backyard Food Forest

On a quiet street near 37th and Winona, the Honeycomb Farm is a 0.25-acre residential plot transformed into a permaculture food forest. Owned by Maria and James, a couple who moved from Portland, Oregon, the farm includes 12 fruit trees (apple, pear, plum), berry bushes, medicinal herbs, and a chicken coop with two hens.

What makes it remarkable is its layered design: tall trees provide shade for understory plants like rhubarb and comfrey. Ground cover includes clover and creeping thyme to suppress weeds and attract bees. Rainwater from the roof is channeled into a 500-gallon cistern.

Visitors are invited on the first Saturday of each month for “Open Honeycomb” hours. Maria gives free tours, explaining how she uses wood chips from local arborists as mulch and how she saves seeds from her favorite tomato varieties. She also hosts a monthly “Seed Swap & Story Circle,” where neighbors share cultural recipes using garden produce.

Example 2: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Urban Farm – Faith and Food

Adjacent to the church building, this half-acre farm is managed by a team of congregants and neighborhood youth. It features 30 raised beds, a greenhouse, and a pollinator meadow. The farm supplies produce to a weekly food pantry serving over 100 families.

What stands out is its educational component. High school interns from nearby schools earn service hours by tending the farm. They learn about nutrition, composting, and food justice. The church also hosts “Harvest Sundays,” where congregants pick vegetables and deliver them to homebound elders.

Visitors are welcome to join the Saturday morning work crew. No experience needed—just a willingness to dig, plant, or water. The farm also offers a “Grow Your Own Greens” workshop every April.

Example 3: The East Harriet Community Garden – Collective Power

With 60 individual plots, this is the largest public garden in the neighborhood. Plots are rented for $25/year, and all gardeners share responsibility for common areas: composting, tool maintenance, and fence repair.

One standout plot belongs to a Hmong family who grow traditional crops like bitter melon, Thai basil, and water spinach. They teach visitors how to ferment vegetables using local ingredients. Another plot is managed by a retired teacher who grows over 40 varieties of heirloom tomatoes and shares seedlings with neighbors.

The garden hosts an annual “Harvest Festival” with live music, fresh salsa contests, and children’s seed-planting activities. It’s a model of inclusive, intercultural food production.

Example 4: Harriet Park Edible Landscape – Public Food as Public Art

Unlike private or church-run farms, this 1.5-acre stretch along Lake Harriet’s trail is a city-managed edible landscape. It features berry bushes, nut trees, and perennial herbs—planted for public harvest. Signs explain what’s edible and when.

Visitors are encouraged to pick berries and herbs for personal use. The city has installed QR codes linking to recipes and nutritional info. This project, launched in 2020, has reduced food waste and increased public engagement with urban ecology.

It’s a powerful example of how cities can reimagine public space—not just for recreation, but for sustenance.

FAQs

Can anyone visit East Harriet neighborhood farms?

Yes—but not all are open to the public. Community gardens often require a small fee or volunteer commitment for plot access. Private farms may be open by appointment only. Always ask before entering.

Do I need gardening experience to volunteer?

No. Most farms welcome beginners. Volunteers are often paired with experienced gardeners who provide on-the-job training. The most important qualities are curiosity, respect, and willingness to learn.

Can I take home produce from these farms?

Only if invited. Most produce is grown for the gardener’s personal use or for donation. Some farms offer “pick-your-own” days or surplus shares. Never take anything without permission.

Are these farms organic?

Most use organic or regenerative methods by necessity—avoiding synthetic inputs due to cost, environmental concerns, or personal philosophy. However, not all are certified organic. Ask about their growing practices if you’re concerned about pesticides or fertilizers.

Is there parking near the farms?

Street parking is available on most residential blocks, but be mindful of resident parking permits. Avoid blocking driveways. Public transit is recommended. The

12 and #14 buses stop within a 5-minute walk of most sites.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes! Many farms have children’s activities, especially in spring and summer. Teach children to ask before touching plants or tools. Some farms even have “Little Gardeners” programs designed for ages 3–10.

What if I want to start my own neighborhood farm?

Start small. Talk to neighbors, identify unused land (even a sunny corner of your yard), and reach out to Urban Farming Initiative of Minnesota for guidance. They offer free consultations and can help you navigate city regulations.

Are there any language barriers?

East Harriet is multilingual. Many gardeners speak Hmong, Somali, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Don’t be afraid to use translation apps or ask if someone speaks English. Most are happy to communicate in any way possible.

How do I report vandalism or theft at a farm?

Contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board or the garden coordinator directly. Most plots have emergency contact numbers posted on signs. Do not confront individuals—report and let authorities handle it.

Can I donate plants or seeds?

Yes! Many gardens welcome donations of non-invasive, heirloom, or native plants. Contact the coordinator first to confirm needs. Avoid donating invasive species like purple loosestrife or garlic mustard.

Conclusion

Exploring East Harriet neighborhood farms is not a passive activity—it’s an act of reconnection. In a world where food is often shipped thousands of miles and produced by distant corporations, these small plots remind us that nourishment can be local, communal, and deeply personal. Each tomato harvested, each compost pile turned, each child learning to plant a seed, is a quiet revolution.

By following this guide, you’re not just visiting gardens—you’re joining a movement. You’re honoring the labor of neighbors who turn concrete into soil, who transform isolation into community, and who prove that resilience doesn’t require grand gestures, only consistent care.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious newcomer, your presence matters. Ask questions. Show up. Share what you learn. And above all, treat these spaces not as attractions, but as living, breathing extensions of the people who tend them.

East Harriet’s farms are more than food sources—they are classrooms, sanctuaries, and testaments to what’s possible when a community chooses to grow together.