Mission and Purpose

The Ashland Great Commission Garden exists to advance the kingdom of God in Christ by developing gospel relationships with our neighbors while laboring together to grow and distribute healthy food for those in need. God has blessed Ashland with a fruitful piece of land right in the heart of Lexington. We long to be good stewards of this gift by making this space available to others while laboring together for the good of our community.

In our endeavor to steward well, we are offering 8 foot by 16 foot garden plots for those that would like to grow their very own garden but who may lack the space to do so. We welcome members of Ashland Avenue Baptist Church and members of our Lexington community to reserve and care for an allotted garden plot. There is no cost to reserve your garden plot, but these plots are limited in number.

To learn more about the garden plots and to sign up for your space in the Great Commission Garden, please click here or fill out the contact form below.

Along with the reserved plots for personal use, the Great Commission Garden will also include a larger traditional garden space reserved for producing vegetables for those in need. All are welcome and encouraged to help plant, weed, and harvest that section of the garden.

How You Can Participate

  • Pray for willing, consistent volunteers, good weather, fruitful harvests, and opportunities to encourage one another in the Lord.
  • Dig in! Weather permitting, we will gather most Wednesday evenings through early fall but you are welcome to come out and spend time in the garden on your own as well.
  • Share with others you think would like to participate. Community members from outside of Ashland are more than welcome!

Garden Rules and Expectations

Thank you for being part of our shared garden space. Please read and agree to these rules before planting:  
  1. Sign Up Before You Start
    You must sign up and be assigned a plot before planting.
  2. Care for Your Plot Until First Frost
    Please take care of your plot until the end of the season (first frost). If you need to stop gardening for any reason, please let us know so someone else can use the plot.
  3. Costs and Provided Tools
    Plots are free to reserve for one season. You are responsible to provide your own seeds and seedlings. Some basic tools (hoes, trowels, rakes) may be available — please use them kindly and do not remove them from the garden.
  4. Use Water Wisely
    Weather-permitting, water may sometimes be available from a shared rainwater collection reservoir. Use only what you need.
  5. Keep Your Plot Clean
    Try to visit once a week to weed and harvest. Keep your plot tidy and safe (including any adjacent pathways) and remove any trash.
  6. Respect Others’ Plots
    Do not touch other people’s plots, plants or produce.
  7. Children and Pets
    Children are welcome if their parent or guardian is present. Please do not bring pets into the garden.
  8. No Chemical Herbicides
    Do not use chemical weed killers. Spray can drift and harm other gardens, as well as deteriorate the soil health of your plot.
  9. Harvest on Time
    Pick your vegetables and fruit when they are ready so they don’t rot.
  10. Be Friendly and Respectful
    Be kind to others and treat them as you would wish to be treated. Conversations with other visitors are encouraged!

Registration