THE VEGETABLE GARDEN
One of the oldest gardens on the property, the Vegetable Garden highlights unique varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are as beautiful in combination as they are delicious. Heirloom crops featured here remind visitors of the region’s agricultural roots, while vegetable varieties originating around the world celebrate the ways food and gardening bring people together.
Each year, the Vegetable Garden’s overall theme, its menu of annual crops, and its layout change. This yearly element of surprise makes it a visitor favorite. The use of mulching, composting, intercropping, water-wise green ground covers, perennial crops, and insect and disease scouting (Integrated Pest Management) practices demonstrate sustainable, organic techniques that visitors can try out at home.
In addition to providing education and inspiration, the Vegetable Garden serves another purpose—feeding the community. Each year, volunteers help harvest fresh, healthy produce from this garden and donate it to Worcester-based organizations combatting food insecurity. In 2021, New England Botanic Garden received a $25,000 grant from the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture that allowed us to double the size of the Vegetable Garden in order to grow even more. At 12,000 square feet, the garden produces roughly 1,000 pounds of produce for donation each year.
The Vegetable Garden in the news:
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill ready for harvesting season, Spectrum News 1, September 2022
Six Strategies to Improve Drought Resilience in Your Vegetable Garden, The Garden Blog, August 2022
Massachusetts Agricultural Group Awards New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill Grant to Expand Its Vegetable Garden, The Garden Blog, June 2021
Congressman McGovern Visits New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Vegetable Garden, The Garden Blog, August 2020
