Common Earth Gardens
We’re empowering refugees and immigrants to put their farming skills to work—restoring purpose, nourishing neighbors, and building stability. Farming is more than food—it’s culture, dignity, and belonging.
- Contact Jane Evans:
- (502) 637-9786 ext. 230
jevans@archlou.org
Families grow here.
Community gardens & farms
Refugee and immigrant families grow food here in the Louisville area, share their harvest with neighbors, and build strong communities. Many also take the next step—sell produce at farmers markets and through local restaurants. Every seed planted and every crop sold helps sustain families and strengthens Louisville’s food economy.
Urban Agriculture Business Training
The Farm Business Training Program helps aspiring and beginning farmers gain the skills and connections needed to start or grow a farm business.
Training takes place at our farm sites — Common Earth Community Farm and Upperhill Inc. Farm — where participants get hands-on experience in sustainable growing practices and small farm management.
This collaborative program is offered in partnership with agricultural and business organizations including Farm Credit Mid-America, Jewish Family & Career Services, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jefferson County Soil and Water District, and Kentucky State University Extension.
The course is open to anyone interested in farming. The program fee is $50, which includes eight classes and summer workshops
Food as Medicine
In partnership with AmeriCorps, we focus on cultural orientations with resettlement agencies on accessing local produce and farmers markets that accept food benefits.
Classes cover everything from healthy meals to container gardening—helping families make nourishing choices every day.
Gray Street Farmers Market
Open every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from June-September.
At the 400 block of E. Gray Street, directly across the street from the UofL School of Public Health and Information Sciences and the Louisville Metro Dept. of Public Health & Wellness.
Conservation Initiatives
We believe conservation is part of cultivation. From beekeeping, fruit trees, and water conservation to planting native wildflowers and restoring habitats, every effort strengthens the land while sustaining the people who farm it. Gardeners also learn about Kentucky’s local ecology and explore pathways to small businesses—from honey and mushrooms to flowers and beyond.
Sharing Culture Through Food
We don't just grow food—we shares the stories behind it. We introduce the public to culturally significant crops, highlighting their history, health benefits, and place in the community. Through shared recipes and traditions, neighbors learn how food connects us across cultures and nourishes both body and spirit. Follow us on social media to see more.
Hunger Ends Here.
When you give, you feed more than bodies - you nourish dignity, hope and human potential.