One Year of Growing Together: Celebrating SEED Chattanooga’s First Year
SEED Chattanooga’s Community Learning Garden at Hardy Elementary flourishing during the summer of 2026.
September marks a meaningful milestone for SEED Chattanooga. One year ago, we began turning a shared vision into action: teaching people how to grow food, creating welcoming garden spaces, and building stronger connections throughout our community.
What began as an idea has grown into two active Community Learning Gardens, meaningful educational experiences, valuable partnerships, and a growing network of volunteers and supporters who believe in this work.
A Year of Growth
Over the past year, SEED Chattanooga has worked alongside students, families, volunteers, educators, community leaders, and local organizations to bring our mission to life.
At Hardy Elementary School and the Jessie Igou Eastdale Community Center, our Community Learning Gardens have become places where people can learn, serve, connect, and grow together. Across both locations, participants have planted seasonal vegetables, harvested fresh produce, learned practical gardening skills, and experienced the value of caring for a shared space.
These gardens are growing more than food. They are helping people build confidence, develop useful skills, strengthen relationships, and see what is possible when a community works together.
Summer Harvest and Fall Planting Days
In August, volunteers joined us at both Hardy Elementary and Jessie Igou for our Summer Harvest and Fall Planting Days.
Together, we harvested summer crops, cleared and prepared the garden beds, added soil amendments, and planted for the next growing season. These events reflected the heart of SEED Chattanooga: people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences working side by side to care for the gardens and one another.
We are grateful to every volunteer, community partner, school representative, and supporter who helped make these days successful.
Growing Through Partnership
Our first year has also brought opportunities to expand our educational and creative programming.
With support from ArtsBuild’s Community Cultural Connections grant, SEED Chattanooga will move forward with the Growing Together public art project at Hardy Elementary. This project will transform six raised garden beds into a permanent outdoor art installation inspired by growth, healthy food, nature, pollinators, and community.
We are also grateful for the foundations, businesses, organizations, and individuals who have provided grants, donations, supplies, professional services, volunteer hours, and encouragement throughout our first year. Every contribution has helped us build a stronger foundation for the future.
Help Us Grow Into Year Two
As we enter our second year, we are preparing to expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and continue caring for our Community Learning Gardens.
Support from our community helps provide soil amendments, gardening tools, protective gear, workshop materials, educational supplies, and ongoing garden maintenance. Whether you make a one-time contribution or become a recurring donor, every gift helps us continue teaching soil, growing food, and building futures.
Donate at: https://givebutter.com/seed-chatt
Celebrate With Us
We invite the community to join us for several upcoming events:
Mellow Mushroom Giveback Day
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Support SEED Chattanooga throughout the day, with SEED representatives joining the community at 6:00 PM.
SEED Chattanooga Anniversary Happy Hour
Friday, September 25, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Landing Social House
This free gathering is open to guests age 21 and older and offers an opportunity to meet our board, learn about our first year, and hear what is ahead.
Seeds of Sisterhood
Friday, October 9, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Kitchen Collective
This woman-centered and inclusive experience will feature mocktails, meaningful conversation, connection, and community. Guests must be 18 or older, and seating is limited.
Looking Ahead
We are proud of what has taken root during our first year, but we know this is only the beginning.
Thank you to every student, family, volunteer, donor, partner, educator, board member, and neighbor who has helped SEED Chattanooga grow. Your support has made this work possible, and we look forward to continuing the journey together.
Teaching Soil. Growing Food. Building Futures.
