Become a Grower
Dig In & Make a Difference: The 2027 Katie’s Krops Grower Search Is Now OPEN!
Are you a young change-maker ready to grow a better world?
Katie’s Krops is looking for youth ages 8–15 across the United States who are excited to grow fresh produce and share it with neighbors facing food insecurity. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, help others, and grow something that makes a difference, we’d love for you to apply to become a 2027 Katie’s Krops Grower!
Katie’s Krops is a youth-led gardening initiative dedicated to growing the next generation of leaders. We believe gardening can teach much more than how to grow food—it can help young people develop confidence, compassion, leadership, and a lifelong spirit of service.
While adult guidance and support are an important part of every garden, the vision, commitment, and leadership must come from the youth themselves.
For 2027, applications are open nationwide, with the exception of South Carolina, where eligibility is limited to youth in Colleton, Orangeburg, and Allendale counties.
Gardens may be located at homes, community centers, faith-based organizations, youth centers, or libraries. We are unable to accept applications for school gardens or plots in public community gardens in 2027.
This Application Is All About YOU!
Kids ages 8–15 should complete the application themselves. We want to hear your voice, your ideas, and your heart. Your answers do not need to be perfect, and you do not need to have all the right words. We simply want to get to know you, understand why gardening and giving back are important to you, and hear what you hope to accomplish.
We’re looking for kids who are excited to take ownership of their garden and make a commitment that goes beyond one growing season. Adults will be there to encourage and support you, but the heart and vision for your Katie’s Krops Garden should come from you.
Application Process
Early applications are encouraged and greatly appreciated!
If your application stands out, you’ll move on to Step 2! At this stage, we’ll meet with you over a quick video call or send a few additional questions by email. This gives us a chance to learn more about you, your garden, and your passion for helping your community—and gives you an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about being a Katie’s Krops Grower.
Applications close January 10, 2027.
If you’re ready to dig in, grow fresh food, give back, and be part of something bigger, we can’t wait to hear from you!
Katie’s Krops 2027 Grower Application Guidelines
Open to youth ages 8–15.
Youth across the United States are welcome to apply. In South Carolina, applicants must live in Colleton, Orangeburg, or Allendale County.
Gardens may be at homes, community centers, churches, youth centers, libraries, or similar locations.
Applications for school gardens or plots within public community gardens will not be accepted in 2027.
The application should be completed by the young person. We want to hear your voice, your ideas, and why you want to make a difference!
Application Deadline: January 10, 2027
Selected applicants will be invited to a short video conversation or asked a few additional questions.
Grower Responsibilities
Katie’s Krops Growers:
- Grow and maintain an edible garden
- Donate their harvest to help neighbors facing food insecurity
- Follow Katie’s Krops growing guidelines
- Submit photos, harvest totals, and updates about their garden’s progress on a private website
These updates allow our team to provide support, celebrate accomplishments, and help growers continue to succeed.
What Growers Receive
Youth Selected to become Katie’s Krops Growers receive:
- Funding to start their garden
- Guidance and ongoing support from the Katie’s Krops team
- Opportunities to connect with fellow growers from across the country
- Eligibility for scholarships and leadership opportunities
- Eligibility to attend Katie’s Krops Camp
- The opportunity to receive continued support and funding year after year
Many of our growers have remained active members of the Katie’s Krops family for years. In fact, some have been growing, giving, and inspiring others through our program for more than a decade.
Growing Beyond the Garden
Being a Katie’s Krops Grower is about much more than growing fruits and vegetables. It is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn responsibility, connect with a community of like-minded young people, and experience the joy of helping others.
Growers in good standing are eligible for continued funding and support, allowing their gardens—and their impact—to grow year after year.
If you are ready to cultivate a garden, share your harvest, and become part of a nationwide movement of young people working to end hunger in their communities, we encourage you to apply during our next Grower Search.
Applications are accepted annually from October through January 1st to start a garden in the spring.
