What is mutual aid gardens?
Mutual Aid Gardens is a volunteer-run network based in and around Katarokwi/Kingston. We aim to improve access to fresh food and create stronger community bonds in the context of ever-increasing capitalist individualism/nuclear family structures. We don’t rely on those in power to fix things for us – instead, we come together and share space, harvests, and learn new skills.
2026 SEASON SCHEDULE
We’ve got a busy season ahead with garden prep, planting, a plant swap, and free veggie markets! Get in touch with us on Instagram @mutualaidgardens or email us at mutualaidgardens@protonmail.com to get involved. All welcome to participate!
We are experimenting with a different kind of food infrastructure that is:
- Autonomously organized by individuals & communities, not by governments, corporations or non-profits
- Networked, meaning that anyone can help garden, (with us or in your own garden), promote the markets, offer and/or take veggies
- In good relationship with the earth unlike typical farming practises such as monocropping and using harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizer
- In good relationship with each other unlike the colonial food system that relies on exploitative migrant labour (one example of many)
- Constructive in building collective capacity and power for feeding ourselves
- Open for anyone to participate in the way that works best for their needs, interests, abilities, time, etc.
Beyond what we are trying to achieve as noted above, we are guided by an opposition to settler colonialism, white supremacy, capitalism and all forms of oppression.
GEt your hands dirty with Mutual Aid Gardens
No Garden? No Problem.
New to gardening but don’t know where to start? Got a green thumb but no yard to work with? Just want to be in the sun? Come join us in maintaining the Mutual Aid Gardens. There’s a million and one ways to get involved. We need help watering, weeding, planting, harvesting, and more! With gardens in town and out west, there’s a job for everyone. Reach out on Instagram @mutualaidgardens or email us at mutualaidgardens@protonmail.com to get involved. Ask to join our WhatsApp Group for easy communication amongst the group!
Why did the gardener put a fence around their plot? Because the onions kept trying to eSCAPE!
(Pictured: Onion flower and scape)
What’s that smell? Garlic! According to Farmer’s Almanac, pests don’t like the smell either, which makes it a good pest repellant.
(Pictured: Garlic)
Chinese broccoli has beautiful flowers! Unfortunately once flowered they become tough and less appetizing. But never fear: just trim the flower and new shoots will grow.
(Pictured: Chinese broccoli)
“We seek to build transformative social relations based on dignity, care, and collective power.”
We’re featured in The Skeleton Press Spring 2022, Issue 9, pg 28. Check it out!