Frequently asked questions
Mirrors the FAQ on the City's official PCG page; the City page is authoritative.
Do I qualify?
Two criteria: be 18 or older, and either live within Tampa city limits or be a current City of Tampa employee.
⚠️ An address that says "TAMPA" does not necessarily mean you're in the city limits. Check yours on the City boundary map.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. There is no membership fee.
What do I need for the application?
Residents: proof of residency (driver's license, rental/lease, mortgage statement, voter registration, vehicle registration, or utility bill — only these), proof of date of birth (license, birth certificate, or passport), and signed Bylaws & Site Rules.
City employees: employee ID badge as proof of employment, proof of DOB, and signed Bylaws & Site Rules.
When do applications open?
The City opens an annual ~2-week window (the first cycle ran Oct 22 → Nov 5, 2025) and announces it on the official PCG page. Our homepage banner links to the current status.
How are plots selected?
Random lottery from all applicants after the window closes. One application per person — multiple submissions deny all of that applicant's entries.
What are the hours and how do I get in?
Dawn to dusk, 7 days a week. The gate is secured with a combination lock — awarded gardeners receive the code. Keep it locked whenever the garden is empty.
Can I bring people with me?
Yes — every guest must first sign and submit a participation waiver (forms at the Parking Office, 3rd floor of Ft. Brooke Garage, Mon–Fri business hours). Guests remain your responsibility and must stay out of other plots.
What do the plots look like?
There are 51 plots, each 4′ × 2′ — eight square feet of growing space. Plots 1–9 are ADA-accessible (request the accommodation when applying), plots 10–41 are open to any Tampa resident 18+, plots 42–49 are reserved for City employees, and plots 50–51 are City-managed pollinator plots.
Can I keep my plot from season to season?
Yes — at the end of each season, existing gardeners choose to retain their plot, re-enter the lottery for a chance at a new one, or vacate. Vacated plots go to the next lottery awardee. City employees who leave the City during the growing season forfeit their plot.
Is there a minimum effort requirement?
Yes — tend your plot at least once per week, and haul away any waste you generate (green or not). Repeated failure to clean up can end your membership.