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“The most valuable of 

all arts will be the art of 

deriving a comfortable 

subsistence from the 

smallest area of soil. 

” — Abraham Lincoln 

Welcome to USDA’s 

People’s Garden 

The simple act of planting a garden can 

have big impacts -- from building a more 

diversified and resilient local food system to 

empowering communities to address issues 

like nutrition access and climate change. 

Starting at USDA’s National Headquarters in 

Washington, D.C. and expanding to our 17 

urban hubs across the nation and beyond, 

USDA’s People’s Gardens will engage the 

community to: 

April 2022 

USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider, employer, and lender.

Grow fresh, healthy food 

and support a resilient, local 

food system.

Teach people how to garden 

using sustainable practices. 

Nurture habitat for 

pollinators and wildlife, and 

greenspace for neighbors to 

gather and enjoy.

The Name Explained 

The People’s Garden was named in honor 

of USDA’s founder, President Abraham 

Lincoln, who described USDA as “The 

People’s Department.” The first People’s 

Garden at USDA headquarters was started 

by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on 

February 12, 2009 – Lincoln’s 200th birthday. 
What is a 

People’s Garden? 

People’s Gardens empower communities 

to participate in local food production and 

provide diversity and resiliency to the food 

supply chain. They also teach about the 

benefits of sustainable, local agriculture 

and how gardening can foster community 

collaboration, provide green gathering 

spaces, and benefit the environment.

People’s Gardens are different sizes 

and types based on the needs of the 

community. School gardens, community 

gardens, urban farms, and small-scale 

agriculture projects in rural and urban 

areas can be recognized as a “People’s 

Garden” if they:

Benefit the community by 

providing food, beautification, 

wildlife habitat, education 

site, etc. 

Are a collaborative effort.

This can include groups 

working together with USDA 

agencies, food banks, Girl 

Scouts, Master Gardeners, 

conservation districts, etc. Learn more about the People’s Garden at 

www.usda.gov/Peoples-Garden and USDA 

assistance for urban farms and gardens at 

www.farmers.gov/urban. 

“I encourage you 

to participate and be 

involved. Real and 

effective action starts 

small and it starts with 

our communities.” — Agriculture Secretary 

Tom Vilsack 

Incorporate sustainable 

practices, such as using 

native plant species, rain 

barrels, integrated pest 

management, xeriscaping. 

Educate the public about 

sustainable gardening practices 

and the importance of local, 

diverse sources of healthy food.

Types of People’s Gardens

People’s Gardens can take many 

different forms:

FOOD GARDENS 

Grow healthy, fresh fruits and 

vegetables in your own community. 

Don’t forget to donate any excess 

food to a local food pantry.

WILDLIFE HABITAT AND 

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING 

Provide food, water, cover and a 

place for wildlife to raise their young. 

Increase the number of pollinators 

in your area by including plants that 

provide essential habitat for bees, bats, 

butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds, 

and other pollinators. Demonstrate the 

value of conserving soil, water, air, and other 

natural resources. 

BEAUTIFICATION 

Plant a green, beautiful place for 

your community to gather, enjoy 

and reflect. Rethink the planting of 

seasonal annuals and instead design 

a space with native species of flowering 

plants to enhance the biodiversity of your 

community and build a healthier ecosystem.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

Many gardens align garden activities 

to lessons and subjects being taught 

in the classroom. Gardens can also 

be used to offer job training and 

apprenticeships in forestry, agriculture, 

landscaping, and culinary arts to those 

experiencing barriers to employment so they 

can find and keep a good job.