It’s time to put your gardening skills to the test! The “Gardens for Life” program is a project where you can create and care for gardens featuring native plants. You can set one up at home, in your community with your neighbors, or at your workplace. Don’t worry—you’ll get help from experts along the way!
The Mexico City Secretariat of the Environment (SEDEMA) is promoting this initiative to conserve urban biodiversity and address the effects of climate change. These efforts aim to establish 4,500 gardens, promoting spaces with native plants that benefit pollinators.
Participants will receive plants of various species based on their registration category, as well as training courses that will answer all their questions about how to care for them.
What are the categories for participation?
The call for entries has three different categories:
- Individual: For a personal space or a small family with at least 2 square meters of space.
- Group: For neighbors, large families, and community groups with a minimum space of 9 square meters.
- Institutional: Aimed at organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses with a minimum area of 15 square meters.
Key requirements for gardens and participants
To participate, you must be of legal age, have a valid INE, and be a resident of Mexico City. Additionally, you must not have been a beneficiary in previous editions. The space where you’ll install the garden must meet the following requirements:
- that receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day and have a nearby water source.
- Have a minimum area depending on the category.
Training and Supplies
A mandatory requirement is to take a 10-hour hybrid course (online and in-person). You must attend at least 80% of the sessions to receive the supplies, which include native plants and an institutional certificate.
Mark these dates on your calendar to participate in the “Gardens for Life” program
- Call for applications published: July 30, 2026.
- Online registration: July 30 through August 28, 2026 (or while supplies last).
- Announcement of selected participants: August 31, 2026.
- Online training and garden creation: September 3 through October 10, 2026.
Let’s get to work! If you have a space that meets the specified criteria, join the “Gardens for Life” program and create your own green space. You can view the full call for participation here.
