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Image by Daniel Dan
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Our History

Fifteen years of seeds, plants, and community — growing together since 2011.

The idea for Nine Square Feet began in 2011 as a simple response to food insecurity: encouraging gardeners to grow an extra “nine square feet” of produce to donate to food pantries. Over time, the mission expanded to providing seeds, plants, and resources so anyone could grow their own food. The first Seed Swap and Giveaway was held in March 2016, organized solely by the founder, Connie Johnson. Many early participants soon became dedicated volunteers and board members, helping launch the first Plant Swap and expand events in 2017. With the formation of an official 501(c)(3) and an inaugural board, Nine Square Feet became a growing community rooted in generosity and the shared joy of homegrown food.

2018

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Laying the Groundwork

  • Distributed 1,800 seed packets and 5,000 plants to launch community access efforts

  • Trained 60 new gardeners through foundational workshops

  • Grafted 80 fruit trees for community-based growing projects

  • Established the Raised Bed Garden Program, supporting 15 homes

2021

Building Community Connections

  • Sustained distribution efforts with 1,500+ seed packets and 3,000 plants shared

  • Expanded workshops to emphasize hands-on, small-group learning

  • Broadened programming to include families, youth activities, and community events

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2022

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Expanding Programs

  • Distributed 2,500+ seed packets across multiple library sites and partner locations, including a sponsored community swap

  • Engaged 50–60 participants through spring workshops on seed starting, soil blocking, transplanting, and composting

  • Shared 5,000 plants with ~400 attendees at a record indoor plant swap

  • Reached 100 participants through summer fall-garden workshops for 24 short-season crops

  • Hosted a 250-person fall celebration with educational demos, kid activities, and local food fundraising

2023

Expanding Reach and Capacity

  • Expanded seed distribution to 10,000 packets across 30 library sites, reaching ~2,000 attendees

  • Increased workshop participation to 150+ individuals through skill-based, hands-on education

  • Shared 10,000 plants with ~700 community members at the largest plant swap to date

  • Grew seasonal programming to 400+ attendees across multiple events

  • Launched the Teaching Garden Project and installed a greenhouse to support long-term growth

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2024

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Growing Community Momentum

  • Increased seed distribution to 12,000 packets across 30 sites, maintaining statewide reach (~2,000 attendees)

  • Grew workshop and youth engagement to 200+ participants through spring programming

  • Hosted a record-setting plant swap (130 participants) and expanded plant giveaway and sale

  • Continued seasonal programming with summer and fall events, including a 200-person community celebration

2025 · 2026

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Where We Are Now

  • Expanded the Annual Seed Swap to 55 Iowa libraries, giving away over 13,000 seed packets to nearly 2,000 people — our largest distribution ever

  • Continued the Annual Plant Swap & Giveaway, with 450+ people receiving free vegetable transplants in 2025

  • Hosted the Gardener's Celebration of Fall with 200+ attendees connecting over seed saving and local food

  • Collected over 400 lbs of fresh produce through Harvest the Metro for Des Moines area food pantries

  • Launched the Nine Square Feet Garden Club — our official volunteer community — with first access perks, a welcome kit, and a private Discord for members

  • Expanded the Seed Sharing Initiative in partnership with the Foodbank of Iowa, DMARC, and Caring Hands Iowa, placing free seed displays at food pantries across the metro

Want to be part of what comes next?

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