Community gardens provide space for individuals to grow vegetables and other plants in dedicated plots on underused land. This allows people who don't have their own land to garden, as well as providing knowledge and support between gardeners of different skill levels, or simply a social environment for people can garden in. Some community gardens are simply shared space for gardening, others provide programs and have particular educational missions - many of these are located at schools.

Two non-profits support networks of community gardens around Washtenaw County - Project Grow operates about ten gardens around Ann Arbor; Growing Hope is affiliated with about 25 gardens, primarily in Ypsilanti and the eastern portion of the County.