OUR MISSION
Sharing seeds, plants, produce, and resources to build healthier communities.
Since 2011, we've been lowering the barriers to growing food in Des Moines and across Iowa. We believe gardening changes communities — and that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food."
Our Programs
Annual Seed Swap & Giveaway
Iowa's largest seed swap, through libraries statewide. 13,000+ packets in 2026.
Harvest the Metro
Fresh produce drive for Des Moines food pantries. 400+ lbs in 2025.
Annual Plant Swap & Giveaway
Free vegetable transplants each spring. 450+ people in 2025.
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Learning Garden & Workshops
Free events at our Learning Garden. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Gardener's Celebration of Fall
Annual harvest celebration with seed saving and local food orgs. 200+ attendees.
Seed Sharing Initiative
Free seed displays at food pantries across the metro, in partnership with Foodbank of Iowa and DMARC.
"It started with too many tomato plants and a free ad on Craigslist."
— Connie Johnson, Executive Director
Nine Square Feet has grown from that first Craigslist ad into annual events reaching thousands of Iowans, a Learning Garden in Des Moines, and free seed swaps in 55 libraries across the state.