(We would love more volunteers to be able to open more often 🙂
The I St Community Garden is our only stockpile location so far, located at 14th & I St. Access from alley way next to City Market.
Stockpiles schedule this week (we will continue to update often):
Thurs May 29th 4-6pm Fri May 30th. 4:30-7:30pm Sat May 31st. 12:30-2:30pm Sun June 1st 12-2pm an 6-8pm
Resources include:
topsoil (limit 55 gal or the size of a washing machine)
composted manure (almost gone)
mushroom substrate (limit 4 bags /car load)
free tomatoes!!! Take as many as you want 🙂
a few pots of different sizes
Due to many generous donors we are able to purchase some resources and make them available to Anchor Gardens. IMPORTANT!! Our stockpiles are managed differently than the Yarducopia Midtown Garden Depot (2930 Cheechako Dr). Yarducopia’s Depot is open 7 days/week from roughly 9-9pm and all resources are free.
Anchor Gardens stockpiles are supported by donation to help us keep this program going and to support the work of Anchor Gardens. We buy the topsoil from Green Earth Landworks and composted manure from Dave Henke. Our stockpiles are free to those who need it. Please consider donating to https://anchorgardens.org/donate/ to help keep these resources available to Anchorage.
Stockpiles are only available when there is a volunteer to open them. WHY?? So we can answer questions you may have about Lasagna Gardens, Anchor Gardens, and to help load materials. We need more volunteers to be able to open the stockpiles more often. Contact Theresa at 907-947-8217.
Learning to grow your own food is important in today’s economy
The Anchor Gardens organization was created due to the COVID-19 shipping disruptions. Our founders realized that when our supply chain is disrupted, shelves go empty and people go hungry. Only 5% of the food Alaskans consume is produced in the state, everything else we eat is shipped in from out of state or out of country.
The increased occurrence of harsh weather conditions and environmental disasters is causing food shortages and price increases worldwide. These disruptions are caused by severe thunderstorms, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, flooding and unexpected frost during the growing season. They often damage entire crops that are intended for our local grocery stores. Disease outbreak and pest infestation can also affect availability and increase food prices. Lastly, economic decisions made by all levels of government, union strikes, and FDA food recalls all affect our food supply in Alaska.
Tariffs are Coming
Due to the change in the Federal Government Administration, a federal tariff increase on imports is proposed for 2025. The tariff increase varies from 10% to 60%, depending on what country it is being imported from. The Anchorage Assembly already approved a Port tariff for goods shipped to the Port of Anchorage; to help pay for the Port of Alaska Modernization Program. Consumers who receive goods through the port will see this increase take effect on January 1, 2025. The tariffs will rise from $0.59 per ton to $4.80 per ton. A rate increase of nearly 800%. Read the Port of Anchorage Terminal Tariff and view the annual rate increases. This also made the news: With Port of Alaska tariffs rising, consumers may see slightly higher prices on goods statewide (Alaska News Source) One company, SpanAlaska, has already decided to raise rates by 7.5%. They notified their customers on Nov 15, 2024 of the rate increase, which goes into effect Dec 15, 2024. Bottom line: there’s no way around it, these costs will be passed on and you’ll see it in store’s price tags.
Learn to grow your own food with Anchor Gardens!
Anchor Gardens realizes that the combined increase of tariffs on imported goods, natural disasters and food recalls create a serious food security problem. Together, we can reduce this problem by learning how to grow our own food in our backyards and shared community gardens. Our neighborhood coaches are here to teach the community how to sustainably harvest wild plants, grow cool weather vegetables and fruits. They can teach you how to create a microclimate on your property or use greenhouses to grow the produce that needs a warmer, more humid environment than a typical Alaskan summer provides.
In the table below are common food imports you find in the grocery store, and if they can be grown in Anchorage. Some items can be grown with or without a greenhouse in your backyard or even indoors. Some items, such as wheat and barley, are more difficult for “backyard gardeners” to grow but can be purchased from professional Alaskan farmers.
Common shipped in items but could be grown in Alaska
Food Item
Outside Garden
Greenhouse/Indoors
Apples
Yes, Hearty varieties
Yes, but a very large one
Asparagus
yes
Barley
yes
Basil
yes
yes
Beans
Yes, pole and bush
Beets
yes
Blueberry
yes
Bok choy
Yes, also does well in containers
Broccoli
yes
Brussel Sprouts
yes
Cabbage
yes
Carrots
Yes, also does well in deep containers
Cauliflower
yes
Celery
Yes, also does well in containers
Chard
yes
Cherries
Yes, hearty varieties
Chives
Yes, also does well in containers. And is perennial.
yes
Collard Greens
yes
Corn
Yes
Cucumber
yes
Currents
Yes
Kale
yes
Lavender
yes
yes
Leeks
yes
Lemon Balm
yes
yes
Lettuce- Iceberg
Yes, also does well in small containers
Lettuce- Romaine
Yes, also does well in small containers
yes
Mint
yes
yes
Onions
yes
Pears
Yes, Hearty varieties
Yes, but a very large one
Peas
Yes
Peppers
no
yes
Potatoes
Yes, also does well in large containers
Pumpkin
yes
Radish
Yes, also does well in deep containers
Raspberry
Yes! Definitely!
Rhubarb
yes
Rosehips
yes
Rosemary
yes
yes
Spinach
Yes, also does well in small containers
Yes
Strawberries
Yes
Tomato
Yes, if siberian variety or in a warmer microclimate on your property
Yes, with lots of varieties to choose from.
Turnips
yes
Winter squashes
yes
Yarrow
yes
yes
Zucchini
Yes, also does well in large containers
Learn more about what is currently grown in Alaska and its seasonal availability at Alaskan Grown.
Anchorage is mostly USDA Hardiness zones 4 and 5 with Girdwood now a Zone 6, which means there’s just some things that need a warmer and more humid or drier climate that Alaska just can’t provide. Therefore, they’d still be an import to Alaska:
Bananas (Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Honduras)
Oranges (South Korea, Lower 48)
Mandarin Oranges (Lower 48)
Lemons (Lower 48)
Limes (Lower 48)
Coffee (Hawaii but mostly multiple warmer climate countries)
Cocoa (Hawaii but mostly multiple warmer climate countries)
Vanilla Bean (Mexico, Tahiti, Madagascar)
Avocados (Mexico)
Nuts (Lower 48 and other countries)
Olives (Other Countries)
Grapes (Lower 48)
Mango (Asian countries, Mexico)
Buy Alaskan
We can also challenge ourselves to eat Alaskan. Buy Delta Barley instead of oatmeal or other cereals at the store; sign up for a CSA from a local farmer; or shop at the farmers markets first before going to the store to buy imports. All of these purchases will naturally increase demand from local farmers so that they can expand their production. If every Alaskan just spent $5.00 a week on Alaskan products it would seriously impact our economy. “If every Alaskan were to take this challenge it would put tens of millions of dollars back into the local economy,” Division of Agriculture Director Arthur Keyes said. So join Anchor Gardens to become more food secure and to grow Alaska’s economy.
If you have questions, want to learn how to garden either in your own space, or plot at a community garden we are here for you and want you to succeed. Join the Anchor Gardens Network and learn more about our growing community.
Last week of stockpiles 6/8-6/9! Sat 11:30am-2pm and Sun 1:30-3:30pm
Sat & Sun only at I St. Community Garden. Resources include pesticide free fresh horse manure, topsoil (limit 55gal), mushroom substrate, free seeds, and small pots.
We ordered 8 trailer loads of composted manure this year. Due to a 40% increase in what we pay for the manure we have spent our budget. Donations this year are way down from all previous years. If Anchor Garden members enjoy the stockpiles then please consider donating so we may keep it going. All donations are greatly appreciated and used to help Anchor Gardens put on workshops, events, and stockpiles to help us build food security one garden at a time. Donate online at: https://anchorgardens.org/donate/
Resources are going fast. We are down to two locations! Plenty of Topsoil is left!
We ordered 8 trailer loads of composted manure this year. Due to a 40% increase in what we pay for the manure we have spent our budget. Donations this year are way down from all previous years. If Anchor Garden members enjoy the stockpiles then please consider donating so we may keep it going. All donations are greatly appreciated and used to help Anchor Gardens put on workshops, events, and stockpiles to help us build food security one garden at a time. Donate online at: https://anchorgardens.org/donate/
Stockpile locations and times: I St Stockpile at 14th & I St. Sat 12-2pm, Sun 12-2pm, Tues 5-7pm & Wed 5-7pm. Resources include topsoil (limit of a 55gal trash can), FRESH pesticide-free manure, mushroom substrate, free seeds, stinging nettle plants, plants from the seedling exchange, and pots perfect for starting seeds.
8121 Wellsley Dr. hosted by Nathalie Miller: Fri 12-5, Sat & Sun 9am-12pm and Mon-Thurs 12-5pm Resources include a half of a pile of composted horse manure and mushroom substrate.
Resources are going fast. We might be completely out by the end of May!
We ordered 8 trailer loads of composted manure this year. Due to a 40% increase in what we pay for the manure we have spent our budget. Donations this year are way down from all previous years. If Anchor Garden members enjoy the stockpiles, then please consider donating so we may keep it going. All donations are greatly appreciated and used to help Anchor Gardens put on workshops, events, and stockpiles to help us build food security one garden at a time. Donate online at: https://anchorgardens.org/donate/
I St Stockpile . 14th & I St. Sat 12-2pm, Sun 12-2pm, Mon 12-2pm, & Wed 5-7pm, Thurs 5-7pm resources include topsoil (limit of a 55gal trash can), a small amount of composted manure, mushroom substrate, stinging nettle plants, plants from the seedling exchange, and pots perfect for starting seeds.
1709 Kepner St: Hosted by Kristi & Dohnn Wood; Noon-8pm 7 days a week until it’s gone. Resources include 3/4 of a pile of composted horse manure.
1801 Stratford Court: Hosted by Erica Lujan; Fri 3-7pm, Sat & Sun 12-4pm. Resources include 1/4 of a pile of composted horse manure.
8212 Race Circle, Scenic Foothills: Hosted by Dawn Groth; closed resources are gone
8121 Wellsley Dr. Hosted by Nathalie Miller: Fri 2-8pm, Tues 2-6pm, Wed 2-6pm. Resources include a full pile of composted horse manure and mushroom substrate. Lasagna Garden Workshop on Wed 5-8pm too.
Topsoil is coming soon. We will make a post when it arrives! We delivered 4 more trailer loads of composted horse manure today to 4 locations!!!
We source all of our waste streams thoughtfully. We use Roundup free composted manure from Dave Henke’s place up at 11120 Birch Dr. He heats the manure up to 160 degrees for 3 weeks, turns it and makes sure that all horses have only Roundup free hay and straw. Everyone is welcome to go up there and grab as much as you want for free or he will fill up your truck for $100. Our mushroom substrate comes from The Happy Mushroom and has no chemicals or pesticides in it. The bagged leaves we accept has not been sprayed or have dog poo in it.
Our resources are available to everyone for free if you need it and by donation if you can. All donations are greatly appreciated and used to help Anchor Gardens put on workshops, events, and stockpiles to help us build food security one garden at a time. Donations can be made to https://anchorgardens.org/donate/.
I St Stockpile . 14th & I St. Sun 12-2pm, Tues 5-7pm, Thurs 5-7pm resources include composted manure, mushroom substrate, bagged leaves, stinging nettle plants, and pots perfect for starting seeds.
1709 KepnerSt Hosted by Kristi & Dohnn Wood; Noon-8pm 7 days a week until it’s gone. Resources include composted horse manure.
1801 Stratford Court Hosted by Erica Lujan; Fri, Sat & Sun 12-3pm. Resources include composted horse manure.
8212 Race Circle, Scenic Foothills, Hosted by Dawn Groth; 10am-8pm 7 days a week. Resources include composted manure, mushroom substrate and stinging nettle starts will be dropped off Sat eve.
8121 Wesley Dr. Hosted by Nathalie Miller: Mon & Wed 4-7pm, Thurs 12-5pm. Resources include composted horse manure and mushroom substrate.
We source all of our waste streams thoughtfully. We use Roundup free composted manure from Dave Henke’s place up at 11120 Birch Dr. He heats the manure up to 160 degrees for 3 weeks, turns it and makes sure that all horses have only Roundup free hay and straw. Everyone is welcome to go up there and grab as much as you want for free or he will fill up your truck for $100. Our mushroom substrate comes from The Happy Mushroom and has no chemicals or pesticides in it. The bagged leaves we accept has not been sprayed or have dog poo in it.
Our resources are available to everyone for free if you need it and by donation if you can. All donations are greatly appreciated and used to help Anchor Gardens put on workshops, events, and stockpiles to help us build food security one garden at a time. Donations can be made to https://anchorgardens.org/donate/.
I St Stockpile: 14th & I St. Fri 6-8pm, Sun 1-3pm, Tues 5-7pm resources include composted manure, mushroom substrate, bagged leaves, stinging nettle plants, and pots perfect for starting seeds.
1709 Kepner St: Hosted by – Kristi & Dohnn Wood; Noon-8pm 7 days a week until it’s gone. Resources include composted horse manure.
1801 Stratford Court: Hosted by Erica Lujan; Fri 3-7pm, Sat & Sun 11-3pm. Resources include composted horse manure.
8212 Race Circle, Scenic Foothills: Hosted by Dawn Groth; 10am-8pm 7 days a week. Resources include composted manure, mushroom substrate, bagged leaves.
Only three stockpiles left! This could be the last week resources are available.
All of the resources are FREE to those who need it but we sure do appreciate donations when possible:) Please consider making a donation to help with all the costs of running Anchor Gardens. Donations can be made at each stockpile location or online at https://anchorgardens.org/donate/. All donations help to support Anchor Gardens mission of providing food security one garden at a time. Thank you!
Please look for the FREE Seed/Info Libraries at each stockpile location! Inside the libraries are Anchor Garden brochures on How to be an Anchor Garden Mentor/Coach, a Lasagna Gardening How To Card, and a How To Plant Seeds Card. You might also find many free seeds.
EAGLE RIVER
11840 Copper Mountain Rd. Stockpile Host: Emily Beaulieu Open Fri 5:00-8:00pm, Sat. 8-10:30am and 7-10pm, Mon 5-8pm, Wed 5-8pm. Resources include composted horse manure, mushroom substrate, planting pots and free seeds. There is still 1/2 of a pile of composted manure left!!
MIDTOWN
1801 Stratford Court Stockpile Hosts: Erica and Nick Lujan Open Fri 8-10am, Tues., Wed., & Thurs 9-11am, Resources include composted manure and free seeds. There is 1/2 of a pile of composted manure left
DOWNTOWNI ST Community Garden (14th and I ST, next to City Market New Sagaya). Stockpile Hosts: Theresa Brown and (Volunteers) Open Sun 12-3pm, Wed & Thurs. 5:30-7:30pm. Resources include TOPSOIL, mushroom substrate, and free seeds.
We still have plenty of topsoil. Limit of one 55gal trash can per car. Available only at I St Community Garden.
All of the resources are FREE to those who need it, but we sure do appreciate donations when possible. Donations can be made at each stockpile location or online at https://anchorgardens.org/donate/. All donations help to support Anchor Gardens mission of providing food security one garden at a time. Thank you!
Please look for the FREE Seed/Info Libraries at each stockpile location! Inside the libraries are Anchor Garden brochures on How to be an Anchor Garden Mentor/Coach, a Lasagna Gardening How-to Card, and a How to Plant Seeds Card. You will also find many free seeds.
Schedule:
EAGLE RIVER
11840 Copper Mountain Rd. Stockpile host: Emily Beaulieu Open Fri 5:00-8:00pm, Sat. 8-10:30am and 7-10pm, Mon 5-8pm, Wed 5-8pm. Resources include composted horse manure, mushroom substrate, planting pots and free seeds. There is still 1/2 of a pile of composted manure left!!
MIDTOWN
1801 Stratford Court, Stockpile hosts: Erica and Nick Lujan Open Fri 9-11am, closed Sat, Sun 12-5pm, Tues., Wed., & Thurs 9-11am. Resources include composted manure and free seeds. There is 3/4 of a pile of composted manure left!!
SOUTHWEST
7927 Cranberry St, Stockpile host: Danna Larson Open Sat. 9-11am, Mon 6:00-8:00pm. Resources include composted horse manure, free seeds. There is 3/4 of a pile of composted manure left.
SOUTHEAST
8121 Wellsley Ct. Stockpile host: Nathalie Miller Open Sat. & Sun 12-3pm and Mon & Wed 3-6pm. Resources include composted horse manure, mushroom substrate, and free seeds. There is 1/3 of a pile of composted manure left.
DOWNTOWN
I ST Community Garden, (14th and I ST ; next to City Market New Sagaya) Stockpile manager: Theresa Brown and (Volunteers) Open Fri 3:00-5:00pm, Sat & Sun Closed, Mon-Thurs. 5:30-7:30pm. Resources include TOPSOIL, composted horse manure, fresh rabbit poo, mushroom substrate, cardboard, bagged leaves, seedlings, and free seeds. There are PLENTY of resources available:)
Stockpile at I St. Community GardenLoad of Top Soil.
