About the Project

What is the Good City Soil Project?

We share healthy soil with Rochester’s urban gardeners in whatever amounts they need at whatever price they can afford in an attempt to support the growth of healthier neighbors, a connected community, and a sustainable urban ecosystem.

How does this project work?

A mix of compost and soil is provided to neighbors for gardening at nonprofit partner sites around the city. Neighbors bring their own bucket, take what they need and pay what they can afford for the service. 

Good City Soil Stewards invest in the project with their time, money, and energy. Their return on investment will be healthier neighbors, a community with stronger connections, a more diverse ecosystem and cleaner air, land and water in the city.

Online and in person community building efforts will engage the Good City Soil community in the exchange of knowledge, resources, and the results of their gardening efforts.

The distribution of good soil in the city through the collective efforts of urban gardeners and contributing stewards will set a system in motion that has the potential to have a significant impact on the livability of cities.

Why is this project needed?

Healthy soil is an important element for the growth of healthy communities. Providing city residents with good soil for growing food and flowers at home has the potential to catalyze healthier lifestyles for individuals, a community of neighbors connected by their efforts to grow food, and improve the natural environment.

  • Urban gardeners need healthy soil for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. 
  • Healthy soil for gardening leads to healthy people and a healthy ecosystem. 
  • Healthy people and ecosystems mean a more liveable city for everyone and everything.

2021 Growing Season Update

  • This season I do not have any soil shares planned. This may change but at this point I am focusing my energy on other projects and will continue to support Rochester’s urban gardeners when I can. If you are interested in partnering to keep this project going please reach out. cjwidmaier@greencollarcollaborations.com.

    You can check out my other projects at greencollarcollaborations.com

Past Good City Soil Shares

Join The Good City Soil Community

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The Good City Soil Project is a collective effort that relies on neighbors who invest their time and energy, money, and other resources to the sustainability of the project. We are always looking for people who are willing to add their time and energy, money, or other resources to the project.

  • Time and Energy
  • Money
  • Materials

Learn about making a financial contribution

COVID-19 Safety at Distribution Events

  • Masks are required, they will be made available for those who don’t have them
  • Please bring your own tools if possible
  • Hand sanitizer and gloves will be available
  • 6 feet of social distance will be expected at all times