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Learn about farming without leaving the city
The GrowNYC Teaching Garden on Governors Island aims to engage, excite, and educate New Yorkers in all aspects of urban farming and food.
We offer K-12 field trips on weekdays and host public hours on weekends May – October. We provide visitors opportunities to plant, water, harvest, cook, and admire the garden’s wide array of plants, fruits, and vegetables. All produce grown at the garden is donated to community groups.
Discover the power of urban farming, fresh food, and climate action by planning your next visit!
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25K
Pounds of produce donated since 2020
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7K
Students and garden visitors annually
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2K
Annual volunteers
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100
Varieties of fruits and veggies grown
Activities at the Garden Explore urban farming with us
GrowNYC’s seasonal programming includes self-guided tours, a donation-based farm stand, kid friendly activities, garden and nutrition related workshops, and so much more.
The Garden also features a Hydroponic Container Farm in partnership with Con Edison. This project is not only about providing fresh produce to New Yorkers, but also engaging the next generation with agriculture.
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Arts & crafts
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Hands-on workshops
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Donation based farm stand
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Self-guided Tours
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Scavenger Hunts
Visits For Educators Bring your school or adult group to the garden!
We offer four school slots each week, at 10 AM and 12 PM, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
We offer field trips to GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden to provide K-12 students and visitors with hands-on lessons about gardening, food, and the environment. Led by our experienced team of Urban Farmers and Educators, students participate in a one-hour hands-on session that covers topics such as food justice, soil health, plant anatomy, composting, and healthy eating.
Spring 2026 registration will open in March. Please check back or sign-up for our newsletter for future updates.
Register Now(this link opens in new window)
Public Visiting Hours Visit the GrowNYC Teaching Garden
The garden is open to the public on weekends May through October.
Weekend public programming includes self-guided tours, a donation-based farm stand, family friendly activities, workshops, wellness events, arts and crafts, and so much more.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer at a garden
Interested in working with us at the garden with your corporate group? We host volunteers year-round and are always looking for help with our projects.
Learn More
Getting There How to get to GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden
Getting to Governors Island requires a 10-15-minute ferry ride that departs promptly from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan.
Governors Island is open to the public daily, year- round. Classes may choose to stay longer on the island to enjoy the playground, forts, hammocks, and more.
Important Note for School Field Trips:
The ferry from 10 South Street is included in your program visit so no ticket purchase is necessary. You will receive your reservation 1 week before your trip. Please let the Education Coordinator know if your class will be taking an early ferry and getting to the garden independently.
It is a 15-20-minute walk from the ferry to the garden. Ensure your students and chaperones will be able to walk 15-20 minutes each way in addition to the hour moving around the garden in all kinds of weather. Unfortunately, we are unable to make transportation accommodations between the ferry and Teaching Garden.
Ferry Schedule(this link opens in new window)
FAQs
More FAQsThank you for reaching out and your interest in GrowNYC and the Governors Island Teaching Garden. You can learn more about the Teaching Garden, K-12 tours, and public programs here
To learn more about individual and corporate volunteering, visit our volunteer interest pages
To request GrowNYC’s support on a garden or green space, please fill out our inquiry form
GrowNYC Education has food and nutrition curricula resources and support. To learn more about what we offer, visit our food and nutrition page
Help grow the next generation of environmental stewards
All Ways to GiveAs a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations to support our work in education, food access, agriculture and green space in NYC.
Your gift nurtures the gardens, classrooms, and programs that inspire New Yorkers of all ages to care for their environment and take action to protect their city and their planet.
Click to Donate Now