Find a local garden plot to rent
Either pay with (typically quite affordable) or give the owner a portion of the fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers that you grow
Get Started
1 Sign Up
Start by creating your profile. It takes about a minute and includes basic stuff like your name, picture, city, and a short blurb about yourself.
Why is my profile important?
When you find a local garden plot that looks desirable, and then contact the owner, your profile is what they first see. If you seem suspicious or untrustworthy, it's more likely they won't respond to your message. You know what they say about first impressions!
Safety
No other YardYum members can view your email address, full name, or where you live (other than your city). Once you've sent a few messages and feel comfortable with an owner, then it's entirely up to you whether or not you meet up with them to check out their garden plot.
We're here to help
From searching for available plots, to understanding your responsibilities under local laws, to building relationships with owners and agreeing on rental terms — we've got tools and resources for you.
2 Search for a local garden plot
You can filter on features like size, whether watering is included, and access restrictions.
Message owners
Once you find a plot that looks appealing, send the owner a message letting them know you're interested in it. This way you'll get to know the owner and they can answer any questions you may have.
Meet up
Once you feel comfortable with an owner, ask if you can come see their plot. This will give you both an opportunity to decide if the arrangement is mutually beneficial. If either of you aren't satisfied, you can part ways amicably.
Sign a contract
We provide a template that you can use for your contract. The agreement includes terms like available access days/times, payment terms, how watering works, etc. You can, of course, choose to do a verbal agreement too, if you both want to be more informal.
3 Start gardening!
You'll then get to work, planting seeds, managing the soil health, watering, weeding, and handling pests. Fun!
Enjoy your yield
Soon you and your friends and family will be enjoying fresh & healthy vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Pay the owner
If your arrangement included a cash payment, you'll need to give money to your owner. Otherwise, if it includes a portion of your crops, you'll need to share some of what you grew.
The gardening season ends
Once your gardening contract expires, you can choose to extend it for another season, cease using the plot for a garden, or search on YardYum for another plot. It's up to you!