Gardening in Grand Forks: Growing Green in the Northern Plains

Gardening in Grand Forks? Oh yes—it’s a thing. And not just a thing, but a thriving passion project for backyard beginners and green-thumbed veterans alike. Our region might be known more for wind than warmth, but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty of beauty, bounty, and community blooming all around.

Here’s how you can get growing right here in Greater Grand Forks:

You can never go wrong with fresh blooms. Hit up local favorites like All Seasons Floral, Jalen Nicole Floral or Shea’s Nursery for bouquets that wow. Bonus: All Seasons & Shea’s also offer home and garden goodies if you’re shopping for a mom with a green thumb.

New this year: Jalen Nicole Floral will be offering a build-your-own bouquet setup—perfect for adding a personal touch to your gift or letting the kiddos create something unique for Mom!

Composting might sound fancy, but it’s really just about turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich magic for your soil. Whether you’re working with a backyard bin or just a simple bucket in the garage, composting in Grand Forks is totally doable—and totally worth it. Bonus: it helps reduce waste and makes your garden even greener.

We might not always get consistent rainfall, but when it comes, it pours. Invest in a rain barrel or two to capture that water and put it to use during dry spells. It’s sustainable, smart, and your plants will thank you. Just make sure to anchor everything down—we do live in the Windy North, after all. Click here to check out Grand Forks County rain barrels!

Let’s talk climate. Our short growing season and strong winds mean certain plants do better than others. Cold-hardy and wind-resistant varieties like lettuce, kale, radishes, carrots, potatoes, and zinnias tend to thrive. Raised beds and windbreaks (like fences or tall, sturdy plants) can help your garden stay grounded and flourishing.

Those fluffy little friends? Adorable, yes—but also surprisingly persistent. If you’re planting anything leafy, be prepared for some bunny interest. Raised beds, fencing, or even motion-activated sprinklers can help keep your produce safe from the neighborhood nibblers.

Don’t have a yard? No problem. Grand Forks is home to several community gardens, where you can reserve a plot and grow alongside fellow gardeners. These spaces offer more than just dirt—they’re full of connection, collaboration, and shared wisdom. (Plus, if your tomatoes flop, your neighbor might just share theirs.)

There is the Grand Forks Park District community gardens, which although all plots are sold for 2025, you can always occasionally check in to see what opportunities they must contribute. The registration for a plot usually opens in February of each new year. There is also the community garden hosted by the City, which you may still be able to participate in this year! All Seasons Garden Center also leases plots each year. You can read the details of each plot and apply here. It is also worth mentioning the community garden across the river in East Grand Forks. Here you can find the resources to get in touch with EGF Parks to rent your own lot!

Whether you’re growing for beauty, for food, or for the pure joy of watching something come to life, gardening in Grand Forks is all about resilience, creativity, and community. So grab a trowel, dig in, and let’s keep this city blooming.