Tangletown Gardens

In 2002, Scott Endres and Dean Engelmann, both horticulture students from the University of Minnesota, sought an urban location for a new garden business, which they found at 54th and Nicollet in Minneapolis’ Tangletown neighborhood. The property was renovated, and the first crop at the farm in Plato, Minnesota, was produced, leading to a Grand Opening in Spring 2003. Tangletown Gardens quickly became a destination for both gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The building housing Tangletown Gardens has a rich history, originally built in 1939 as a Pure Oil Station and later a transmission shop before becoming the home of Tangletown Gardens.

The farm employs a variety of sustainable practices, including the use of solar energy to power the farm, aquaponic growing systems, and extensive composting practices. Produce is grown without chemically based fertilizers or pesticides, adhering to principles of biological agriculture and ecological restoration. This approach ensures the production of beautiful, strong, and healthy plants without harmful chemicals and their unintended environmental consequences.

Tangletown Gardens offers CSA shares that run for 18 weeks from late spring through mid-fall, featuring heirloom varieties and kitchen favorites. Each share comes with a newsletter providing useful information and recipes. The farm hosts a CSA Day during the summer for members to visit and see where their food is grown. CSA shares are available in various sizes to suit different household needs, and multiple pick-up sites are available across the Twin Cities area. The farm also supports community initiatives, including donations to the University of Minnesota horticulture department, organizing farm tours, and supporting grassroots initiatives that encourage youth involvement in agriculture.