Varsity Force
OpportunitiesDC · NoVA · MD
Future Paths
Community Resources & Things to Do · Community gardens · 4 resources
Germantown
Butler's Orchard
A large family pick-your-own farm with a seasonal farm park. Pick-your-own blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, herbs and sunflowers; "Feed The Goats" with a kid-size cup of feed; Mini Digger tokens (3-minute rides); Farmer's Porch Kitchen weekends 10:30–3.
Cost
Paid: one ticket required per person; children under 24 months free; you must buy at least one container at reservation (price includes the fruit you pick); no outside containers.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Seasonal. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
A large family pick-your-own farm with a seasonal farm park
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Community Garden Plot Rental Program
More than 700 rental garden plots across ten county parks, administered from Green Spring Gardens. $85/year small plots come with raised beds and shared tools; 700+ plots in ten parks; at Laurel Hill all plots are wheelchair-accessible; a cheap year-long family project.
Cost
Low-cost: $85/year for a small plot (~60 sq ft, with raised bed, fence, soil, community hoses and shared tools); $150/year for a large plot (~600 sq ft; $140 at Eakin).
Best fit
families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Poolesville
Homestead Farm
A working pick-your-own farm with a market, in the Ag Reserve. Free market access without paying farm admission; cut-your-own zinnias; pay-by-the-pound picking; open 9–4 Tue–Sun.
Cost
Paid: admission required to enter the pick-your-own fields; pick-your-own blackberries $4.99/lb; bring your own container or buy one; no admission needed to shop the market.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
Montgomery County
Montgomery Parks Community Garden Program
14 community garden locations with more than 550 plots on county parkland. $35/year entry-level plots; 14 locations countywide; gardeners contribute eight communal service hours a year (a good family service commitment); Volunteer Garden Liaisons coordinate each site.
Cost
Low-cost annual permits by size: $35 for 100 sq ft and under, $60 (200 sq ft), $70 (300), $80 (400), $100 (625).
Best fit
families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.