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Sister Gardens: Connecting Roots Across Tennessee’s Food Hubs

How Can We Better Cultivate Community & Food Sovereignty Across Tennessee?


At Tennessee Community Gardens (TCG), we believe in the power of community—not just within a single garden but across neighborhoods, cities, regions, and beyond. As cities and towns across Tennessee work toward more sustainable and equitable food systems, we see an exciting opportunity to build coalitions of sister gardens—a collaborative approach that can strengthen the bonds between existing community gardens and encourage new ones to form.


The concept of sister gardens is inspired by the longstanding tradition of sister churches—congregations that come together to support each other through shared resources, fellowship, and collaboration. By proposing that we apply this model to community gardens, we hope to foster deeper solidarity between gardens, create more robust food networks, and advocate for local food sovereignty in every corner of Tennessee.



What are Sister Gardens?


Sister gardens are established gardens that form partnerships with other gardens—whether near or far—based on shared goals, values, and needs. These partnerships go beyond just exchanging seeds or plants; they become a collaborative force for community-building, education, and advocacy.


Through the sister gardens model, we can achieve:


  • Resource Sharing: Gardens can share tools, supplies, and knowledge. This can help reduce waste.

  • Joint Workshops and Events: Communities can organize workshops, potlucks, or gardening festivals to share skills and promote food justice.

  • Seed and Plant Swaps: Local gardens can trade seeds, plant cuttings, and seedlings, ensuring diversity and resilience in their crops.

  • Advocacy and Solidarity: Sister gardens can collectively advocate for food justice, land access, and local policies that support sustainable, community-led food systems.



Beyond just the gardens, sister gardens can also support other joint initiatives like tool libraries, maker spaces, and mutual aid efforts such as community fridges and food pantries. This network of shared resources can help reduce barriers to entry for new gardeners and small-scale farmers, ensuring everyone in the community has what they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Imagine:


  • Tool libraries where gardeners can access equipment they may not have, reducing costs and promoting sustainability. Do you need to buy a tool or just borrow it?

  • Coworking and Maker spaces that offer a shared environment for local entrepreneurs, farmers, or garden organizers to work together, brainstorm, and share ideas.

  • Community fridges stocked with fresh, locally grown produce from sister gardens better ensure consistent food access to all who need it.

  • Food pantries and Free Stores that distribute garden-grown foods, as well as educational materials about food prep, preservation, nutrition, and gardening.



Why Sister Gardens Matter


Tennessee already hosts several garden coalitions, like the Knox County Growers Alliance, which has been doing great work in its community, and Northwest Tennesse Local Food Network, which continues to combat local food insecurity. These established groups are already strong players in our efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable food system.


For TCG, the goal isn’t to replace or compete with these coalitions but to build additional connections and extend support where it's needed or wanted. For example:


  • Local networks may find opportunities to connect with sister gardens in neighboring counties, sharing resources and organizing joint events without disrupting their current efforts.

  • Established gardens could extend invitations to younger ones for mentorship, offer seeds and starts, or co-host collaborative workshops that address local food concerns.

  • We continue to bring together a wide array of gardens across Tennessee regions. Forming sister garden partnerships could strengthen our existing coalitions.


Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, TCG’s role is to help facilitate organic, grassroots connections. Sister Gardens choose to collaborate on workshops, events, or advocacy if and when the time is right for them.



Expanding the Reach of Sister Gardens


As we build this network of sister gardens, it’s important to recognize how our partnerships can support broader mutual aid efforts. Sister gardens don’t just grow food—they help grow community again. By working together with other community-based initiatives, gardens can become vital food, culture, and resource hubs for everyone. Other collaborative possibilities include:


  • Tool libraries give everyone access to the equipment they need to grow and maintain their gardens.

  • Coworking spaces provide a shared environment where garden organizers and community activists can collaborate, share ideas, and offer mutual support.

  • Little Free Seed & Book Libraries at gardens provide free resources not just for gardeners, but for anyone seeking to learn about sustainable living, food sovereignty, or community organizing.

  • Mutual aid boxes or community fridges can ensure that no one goes hungry while encouraging everyone to share what they have, fostering a spirit of solidarity and care within our communities.


Together, sister gardens can support each other’s growth, both literally and figuratively, as we work to build healthier, more equitable, and resilient food systems and communities.



How Can You Get Involved?

Photo by BELL Garden


If you’re part of a community garden in Tennessee and are interested in forming a sister garden partnership, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re in a city, a rural area, or somewhere in between, TCG is here to help facilitate these connections. 


We’ll work with you to provide resources, share best practices, and connect you with other like-minded gardens across the state. Or take the initiative and reach out to neighbor gardens nearby.


No matter where you are in the process—whether you’re just starting a garden or are part of a longstanding coalition—sister gardens can help create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system. Together, we thrive.


For more information, to write for this blog, or to join the TN Community Gardens network, please reach out to us at TNCOMMGARD@gmail.com.



Sister Garden Clusters


Chattanooga Area



These gardens and community-based projects are close to one another, making collaborating on workshops, events, and resource-sharing easier.


Cleveland Area



Knoxville Area


Knox County Garden Alliance



This group represents a large portion of Knoxville’s gardening efforts and offers valuable opportunities for collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, especially focusing on education, sustainability, and community involvement.


Other Knoxville Area Gardens



Murfreesboro Area



These gardens and organizations are close to each other in Murfreesboro and could organize joint educational programs and community gatherings and support one another with resources, including seeds, tools, and educational outreach.


Nashville Area


Nashville Community Garden Coalition



This diverse group of gardens and community organizations spread throughout Nashville could hold large-scale events, workshops, and seed swaps, engaging with various communities across the city. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas about sustainability, food justice, and empowerment.


West Tennessee



Though spread out, these gardens in West Tennessee can collaborate through regional events, educational programs, and seed-sharing networks. Workshops on sustainability could be beneficial for all these areas, helping to connect rural and urban communities.


Find a Food Hub Near You - Mutual Aid Map




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