Community garden program in Biddeford continues to grow

The Biddeford Community Gardens recently installed a greenhouse at Rotary Park. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN MORTON

Angelina Keizer, UNE Community News Fellow•

Thu, Oct 16, 2025

Biddeford Community Gardens (BCG) is all about collaboration – community members working together to grow food, and partnerships with local organizations to provide food for those in need.

BCG, a non-profit organization under the umbrella of Heart of Biddeford, started its journey in 2012 with just six raised beds and has now flourished to 123. It's a testament to what Director Holly Culloton calls “the growth that’s been embraced by the city.” The garden beds are scattered across four locations: Mission Hill, Pierson’s Lane, Rotary Park, and William’s Court. Vegetables are grown organically and without the use of pesticides.

“To have a communal garden space in all seven wards is ultimately our goal,” she said.

In addition to raised bed gardens, BCG now has a greenhouse in Rotary Park, made possible by funding from The Gibney Family Foundation, Youthful

Maine, The Quinby Family Foundation, The Woodard and Curran Foundation, andSeedmoney.org.

With help from the city, volunteers recently installed the 16 by 48 foot metal frame and plastic tarp of the structure quickly and efficiently, with plans to soon add a 40 -inch-wide door on one side and a double door on the other, said Culloton. Seedlings and winter greens are expected to be grown in the greenhouse. This will advance BCG's mission, with the hope of eventually growing year-round.

Food from the gardens is donated to the Biddeford Food Pantry, Bon Appetit Meal Program and Youth Full Maine to get fresh food directly to the community. In 2023, more than 1300 pounds of produce was donated to these organizations, according to the BCG website.

As local residents often don't get enough fresh produce,BCG's harvests

provideacritical source, said Katie Brown, executive director of Youth Full Maine.

“Holly and the community garden volunteers deliver harvests every week to our walk-in refrigerator,” said Brown. “The produce we receive is always clean, fresh, and attractive—a beautiful sight when displayed at our distributions.”

Brown described the significance of this collaboration.

“When individuals and organizations connect with each other to help members in the community, it creates a web-like encompassing impact and effectiveness that one stand-alone entity doesn't have on its own. The impact is far greater together,” she said.

BCG’s role in the community extends beyond the harvest. For nearly 12 years, its educational program at Pierson's Lane Children's Garden has taught kids the foundations of gardening, giving them a chance to enjoy fresh air and get their hands dirty.

Crops grow at the community gardens at Mission Hill in Biddeford. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN MORTON

Students from the “Service Works” program through Learning Works help with ground maintenance and seasonal cleanup, through community service projects that are a positive alternative to juvenile justice system involvement or school suspension or expulsion.

For many, the garden itself has become a healthy outlet that Culloton notes, “boosts one’s spirit.” The gardens are open to anyone, regardless of experience.

“Our vision really is to be able to provide healthy, welcoming green spaces to everybody in Biddeford so they can grow their own food,” she said.

The next and upcoming project BCG has in store is expanding their orchard in Rotary Park which will consist of fruit trees, nut trees, and berry bushes.

The BCG is looking for volunteers. To learn more and get involved, visitbiddefordcommunitygardens.org.

For more photography by Christian Morton, check him out on Instagram @ctm.photography .