A New Community Garden is Taking Root in Knoxville

Something new is growing at 701 E. Montgomery Street—and it’s more than just vegetables. The Mint ’N More Foundation is building a community garden designed to help local residents grow their own food, learn new skills, and connect with others across Knoxville.

Mint ’N More is a local nonprofit focused on helping people grow and access healthy food. Through community gardens, hands-on classes, and local partnerships, the goal is simple: stronger communities, better food, and healthier lives.

Food prices keep rising, and for many families it’s getting harder to afford fresh, healthy options. At the same time, fewer people have the space, tools, or knowledge to grow their own food like past generations once did. This garden is built on a simple idea with a big impact—give people a place to grow food, and the support to succeed. It’s about helping people learn to grow their own food so they don’t have to go without or rely only on emergency food sources.

The garden includes 12 plots for individuals, families, or groups who want to grow food for themselves or donate to local food pantries. Already, 7 plots are spoken for, with the remaining spaces open to anyone ready to get involved.

The space is set up to make gardening accessible. There’s a tool shed with shared equipment, high-quality soil from Blooming Prairie in Carlisle, and both a water hydrant and rainwater collection system for irrigation. Gardeners will also have access to ongoing education and hands-on support, whether they’re just getting started or have years of experience.

Sosia Duffy, Local Food and Agriculture Manager at Mint ’N More, who will be leading the garden, says what excites her most is seeing people realize they can do this. “A lot of folks think growing food is complicated or that they need land, equipment, or experience,” she said. “What I’m excited about is showing people how simple it can be to get started—and being there to support them as they learn and gain confidence.”

Beyond the plots, the garden will serve as a place to learn and experiment. Features like small fruit tree guilds, an herb spiral, and pollinator plantings will demonstrate simple, practical ways to grow food at home while improving soil health and working with nature.

But this project is about more than growing food—it’s about building something together. Community events, classes on gardening and food preparation, and informal opportunities to share knowledge will bring people together throughout the season. Even those who don’t want a plot can take part.

Volunteers are also needed to help maintain shared spaces and support events. It’s a hands-on way to stay active, meet people, and contribute to something meaningful.

At its core, this garden is about making healthy food more accessible while creating a space where people can connect, learn, and take pride in what they grow. When we grow food locally, we’re not just feeding ourselves—we’re building a stronger, more resilient Knoxville.

To learn more and get involved visit Mint ‘N More Foundation at www.mnmfarms.org.