The Garden Commons
The Garden Commons is Arizona State University’s community garden space located at the Polytechnic campus.
The Garden Commons supports our food reconnection goal: reconnecting people to where food comes from while supporting and producing a sustainable food system. We strive to help reduce food insecurity within the community and our student body through produce donations to various outlets and providing hands-on learning. Through this, the Garden Commons empowers students to become “change agents” to support sustainable food systems and rethink how we access, cultivate and value food.
The vision of the Garden Commons is to create a new commitment and understanding of the benefits of sustainable food systems through dynamic hands-on learning experiences. The garden's harvest will benefit the Garden Commons Farm Stand, which offers fresh produce to students at no cost and to staff at a nominal cost, as well as surrounding food banks.
Garden Phase Two updates
The Garden Commons at ASU Polytechnic expanded in 2024, adding eight new growing beds, a meditation space with a water feature, an event area with seating for 80 and outdoor lighting for evening gatherings. This growth enhances opportunities for the ASU community to engage with local and sustainable food production.
Garden Commons provides hands-on learning in composting, harvesting and problem-solving, helping students develop teamwork and practical skills.
Garden Ambassadors
Our flagship Garden Ambassadors program hosts 5–10 students each semester, teaching garden maintenance, fostering community connections and introducing participants to home-grown vegetables. The program attracts students from diverse majors, including Natural Resource Ecology, Robotics and Biomedical Engineering. While not all pursue careers in food systems, all gain valuable insight into sustainable food production.
Academic Integration
Garden Commons also serves as a living classroom. Sustainable Horticulture students practice grape pruning, soil science and grafting, while Entomology classes collect insect specimens. English students find inspiration for essays on green spaces, cultural ties to food and sustainability.
How to get involved
The Garden Commons is available for classes, events, volunteer opportunities and workshops. Contact Melissa Kruse-Peeples for information on events and volunteer requests. Reserve the Garden Commons pavilion and outdoor event space for classes and meetings.
Visit the Garden Commons Facebook and Instagram pages for announcements on events, the Farm Stand and volunteer opportunities.
If you would like more information about supporting our Garden Commons, please reach out to University Sustainability Practices or Susan Norton. Individuals may contribute to the Garden Commons.