CES Community Gardens

About the Gardens

The Community Gardens, operated by the Commission of Environmental Sustainability (CES), are a student-led initiative dedicated to promoting sustainability, environmental education, and food security on campus. The gardens provide a hands-on space where students can learn about sustainable food production, volunteer alongside their peers, and connect with the campus community. Throughout the growing season, fresh produce is cultivated using environmentally responsible gardening practices and donated to the AMS Food Bank to help support students experiencing food insecurity. 

Location & Hours

The Gardens are located directly behind Nicol Hall, 60 Union St. As a public space, they are open for viewing year-round. Crops are actively cultivated from March through October, during the spring and summer growing seasons.

What We Grow 

HRC Programming
Leafy Greens

Fast-growing, well-suited to Kingston’s climate, and a familiar ingredient that’s easy for students from all backgrounds to cook with.

  • Lettuce 
  • Kale 
  • Spinach and other mustard green varieties 
  • Swiss chard 
  • Bok Choy 
Root Veggies

Resilient through the colder months of September and October, with high nutritional value that helps maximize the impact of for students.

  • Beets 
  • Carrots 
Fruiting Veggies

High-yield, reliable summer crops that produce continuously throughout the growing season.

  • Cherry Tomatoes 
  • Zucchini 
  • Cucumber 
Herbs

Some of the most cost-efficient crops to grow, as they are  expensive to purchase in store. Compact and fast-growing, they maximize limited garden space while serving as excellent companion plants for other crops.

  • Dill 
  • Basil 

Sustainability & Food Security 

The Community Gardens advance the AMS’s commitment to sustainability by contributing to a healthier environment and a more food-secure student body. Through regenerative gardening practices, local food production, and responsible resource use, the gardens reduce environmental impacts while creating a source of fresh produce for students. By donating every harvest to the AMS Food Bank, this initiative aims to address food insecurity, demonstrating that environmental sustainability can also strengthen community wellbeing. Beyond providing fresh produce, the gardens create opportunities for students to learn sustainable gardening techniques, collaborate with one another, and build a stronger connection to the local environment.

Sustainability

Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

The Community Gardens are already up-and-running for this summer. Stay tuned for opportunities in March 2027 to learn more and get involved with the Gardens! 

No gardening experience needed! 

Events

Throughout the school year, the CES hosts trivia nights to raise funds in support of the Community Gardens. Past prizes have included gift cards to popular downtown restaurants, artisan candles, eco-friendly cleaning products, and free Pilates classes!

Be sure to stay tuned for our gardening workshops in March 2027, where you’ll learn practical tips for starting your own garden at home.

Donations

While the Community Gardens do not directly take donations, you can support the same goal of getting fresh food for students by donating to the AMS Food Bank.

Our Partners

As the gardens grow, so will this list of partners. We are always looking to bring in more environmental clubs and community partners. 

AMS Food Bank

The AMS Food Bank provides confidential, short-term food assistance to Queen’s undergraduate students experiencing food insecurity. The service helps ensure students have reliable access to nutritious food while reducing financial barriers.

Society for Conservation Biology

A volunteer-led group of students and local community members dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity. SCB manages three plots focused on nurturing native pollinator species.

Gardens 4 Joy

Founded in 2024 by Dr. Maha Al Makhamreh, Gardens4Joy is a Queen’s initiative dedicated to fostering the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff through gardens and gardening. They manage three plots aimed at encouraging a love of gardening.

Kingston Community Gardens Network

Operated by the Kingston Community Health Centres with support from the City of Kingston, the network has generously donated beets, corn, and cucumber seeds to support AMS garden growth

  • AMS Food Bank
  • Society for Conservation Biology
  • Gardens 4 Joy
  • Kingston Community Gardens Network

Photo Gallery

Over the summer, check out the CES Instagram (@ces_ams) for regular updates on the progress of the community gardens!

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