About Us:
Octopus’s Garden is a grassroots horticultural initiative led by the passion of students and mentors alike to give organically grown produce back to the community.
In 2008, Union College students sought to develop an on-campus café as a place where students and community members could dine on fresh, locally sourced, organic meals. This concept later developed into the Ozone Café, which now serves hundreds of members of the Union community every Friday. In its flourishing years since 2008, produce from Octopus’s Garden has been donated to Ozone Café, Campus Kitchens, and the Schenectady City Mission.
We at Octopus’s Garden are dedicated to giving back to the community. We not only donate all of our yields, but by being leaders of local sustainable initiatives, we aim to inspire the growth and accessibility of organic produce.
Volunteer:
Octopus’s Garden relies on dedicated hardworking students and community members to strive forward with our mission for making the fruits of organic horticulture accessible to all. Look out for upcoming events and collaborative projects with Octopus’s Garden.
Gardening is proven to aid in stress relief, improve self-esteem, and benefit your overall mental health. It is a wonderful way to enjoy time outside with friends.
Give back to your community with some volunteer hours, or if you’d like to learn more about gardening and sustainable horticulture please show your interest, and meet us in Octopus’s Garden.
Current Crop Rotation: 
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- Carrots
- Red Onions
- White Onions
- Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
Special Thank You!
Thank you for everyone’s help in the 2019-2020 season. I want to specifically mention landscape specialist Connie Schmitz, faculty member Hugh Jenkins, Union College Dining Services, our friends at Schenectady Green House, and all student garden volunteers for your outstanding support.
Contact Us:
Email octopusgarden@union.edu to get involved!
