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Sustainable Agriculture

Did You Know?

Tacoma and Pierce County combined have more than 70 community gardens. Tacoma has the goal of having more gardens per capita than any other city in Washington State. 

 

Green Living Guide

Discover all of the sustainable agriculture including community gardens and farmers markets using the interactive Tacoma Green Living Guide.


Green Living Guide Map

Community Gardens

There are numerous community gardens throughout Tacoma, including several on City property.

Garden photo


The City of Tacoma is a partner of the Tacoma-Pierce County Community Gardens Program under the umbrella of the 
Pierce Conservation District.

 

Farmers Markets

There are four farmers markets running in Tacoma:

Eastside on Wednesdays

Broadway on Thursdays

Proctor on Saturdays

South Tacoma on Sundays

Community Supported Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture (known as CSAs) allows you to buy a “share” from a local farm. In return, you receive a box of farm-fresh produce every week during the growing season. The farm benefits from your financial and community support. You benefit by receiving the best local produce and getting to know your farmer. Find a directory of Puget Sound area CSAs here


Tacoma Food Co-Op

The Central Co-op is a member-owned organization for people interested in food that is natural, local, fresh, organic, humanely raised, non-GMO, sustainable, and affordable. For more information, visit the Tacoma Co-Op's website.

 

Backyard Chickens

Responsibly raising backyard chickens has significant environmental, health, and other cost savings for individual owners as well as the greater community. Chickens provide valuable food that is local, organic, and inexpensive. Chickens are also mini-backyard composters, eating most leftover kitchen scraps.


Backyard Chicken Rules and Resources

Know the Rules about Backyard Chickens

The Tacoma Municipal Code on Poultry and Pigeons was updated in 2012. Be aware of the rules and make friends with your neighbors. If you're interested in more than the standard allowable number, you'll need written consent (suggested template) from neighboring owners.

Check with your local jurisdiction and request a copy of the legislation that describes quantity, setback requirements, and lot sizes. Every jurisdiction has different rules.

Online Resources for Backyard Chickens

Seattle Tilth keeps a good list of hatcheries and online sources

National Agriculture Information Service has a site geared toward small farmers but can also be helpful for city chicken keepers

Pierce Conservation District and the EnviroHouse offer workshops on backyard chickens regularly 

Poultry Keeper

Backyard Chickens

Guides to Raising Chickens

Building Chicken Coops for Dummies

Todd Brock, David Zook and Rob Ludlow

The Chicken Health Handbook

Gail Damerow

Free Range Chicken Gardens
Jessie Bloom

Raising Chickens for Dummies
Kimberley Willis and Rob Ludlow

Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, Care/Feeding/Facilities
Gail Damerow

Storey’s Guide to Raising Poultry
Leonard S. Mercia

Contact Information

Kristen McIvor

Harvest Pierce County Program Coordinator
Pierce Conservation District
(253) 363-1846

 

Community Gardens of Pierce County Facebook Group

 

 

 

Resources

Learn to Garden Workshops
Find a Community Gardens
Start a Community Garden
Other Resources



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