Volunteering at an urban garden is free and open to all individuals, students, families, community members, local groups, business, families and organizations for local projects or civic and charitable purposes that enhance the culture, health and well-being of the local community.

We welcome all individuals and groups at every gardening skill level. What you learn can benefit your organization, business home, community and your future.

For additional questions on volunteer rules and regulations at our urban gardens please contact: HHDgardens@houstontx.gov.

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There are no fees associated with volunteering at a Houston Health Department (HHD) urban garden. Please note that the following rules are enforced:

1. Volunteers will have to sign a one-time HHD volunteer waiver form on the day of volunteering.
2. Active gardening reflects all seasons. Potential gardening activities include beautification, winterization, filling the raised beds with soil, planting, weeding, watering, maintaining and harvesting at a garden.
3. Planting and harvesting times are coordinated with HHD. Volunteers are not allowed to harvest produce from the gardens at their own discretion.
4. The HHD urban gardens program is an organic gardening program. Use of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides made from synthetic materials as well as chemical fertilizers are not suggested. Volunteers should not bring their own natural fertilizers for use in HHD gardens except as approved by the garden manager.
5. If a volunteer happens to witness vandalism or theft, he or she will report it to the garden manager. At no time should a volunteer attempt to stop the person.
6. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not permitted on City of Houston property.
7. Volunteer behavior must reflect well on HHD and the community. Volunteers who engage in unacceptable behavior will be asked to leave the property and their club membership will be revoked. Safety in the gardens is enforced at all times.
8. While input will be sought from volunteers and club members, produce to be planted will be coordinated by HHD.

If you agree to abide by all rules and regulations outlined above, please provide the following information below.

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Please make sure to submit using the "submit" button below. Please allow 5-10 business days to receive a confirmation email with next steps.

You may e-mail HHDgardens@houstontx.gov, if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your interest in the Houston Health Department's Get Moving Houston Urban Gardens Program.