In this episode of the Growing Good Podcast, we had the privilege of chatting with Maddie Kartoz, the Garden Operations Manager at City Sprouts, a Boston-based nonprofit that introduces students to experiential learning through gardening. Maddie brings a contagious energy and passion to their work, rooted in their love for local food and agriculture.
Maddie’s Journey to City Sprouts
Maddie grew up in the Garden State of New Jersey, where a high school job as a farm hand ignited their interest in local food systems. Her family’s tradition of gathering around the dinner table to enjoy homegrown meals played a major role in shaping their appreciation for food. This foundation led them to explore agriculture through various hands-on experiences, from working on permaculture farms to leading outdoor education programs.
Maddie’s journey took them to places like the Tidelines Institute in Alaska, where she lived on a homestead and deepened her knowledge of sustainable food practices. This experience, coupled with their educational background in theater, shaped there approach to community building and outdoor education, ultimately leading them to City Sprouts.
City Sprouts: A Hands-On Approach to Learning
City Sprouts has been a transformative force in Boston’s public schools for over 20 years. With 24 school gardens across the city, the nonprofit works to create vibrant outdoor classrooms where students can learn STEM skills, develop a connection to nature, and engage in social-emotional growth.
Maddie described their role as Garden Operations Manager as "behind-the-scenes magic," where they ensure that each garden is not only a productive space for growing food but also an engaging environment for students. Their responsibilities include everything from distributing soil and seedlings to advising on what crops to grow. One of City Sprouts' unique approaches is planting gardens that reflect the cultural diversity of the students, incorporating crops like Swiss chard for Cape Verdean students and designing spaces that invite curiosity and exploration.
Building Resilient Communities Through Gardening
A major theme in Maddie’s work is fostering community resilience. They are passionate about using gardening as a tool to empower communities, particularly in the face of challenges like climate change and increasing social isolation. Maddie believes that growing and sharing food can strengthen connections between people, just as plants rely on each other to thrive in a garden.
"Community is empowered to handle the challenges that are coming," Maddie explained, emphasizing that City Sprouts not only teaches students about food and gardening but also helps build a sense of belonging and responsibility within the community.
The Power of Experiential Education
City Sprouts’ approach goes beyond just growing food—it’s about creating memorable, educational experiences. Maddie shared how students are able to see connections between what they grow and what they eat at home. The joy of recognizing a familiar plant, like spinach or ground cherries, helps bridge the gap between the classroom and family life. Maddie also highlighted how the experiential nature of the program allows students to learn vital social-emotional skills in a way that complements traditional education.
"Experiential education gives students room to breathe," she said. "It supports the standard curriculum while also offering opportunities for creativity and growth that aren’t always measured by tests."
Challenges and Rewards
One of the biggest challenges Maddie faces is maintaining the 24 garden sites throughout Boston, especially during the prime growing season. City Sprouts relies heavily on volunteers to keep the gardens thriving, and Maddie has worked hard to build a volunteer program that not only meets the nonprofit’s needs but also gives community members a sense of ownership and purpose. By reframing volunteering as a shared community experience, Maddie hopes to engage more people and offer them a space to connect with nature and each other.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in supporting City Sprouts, there are plenty of ways to get involved. From volunteering in the gardens to participating in events like their annual "Dig It" fundraiser, the organization offers numerous opportunities to contribute to the cause. To learn more about City Sprouts or to volunteer, visit their website at citysprouts.org or follow them on Instagram for updates.
As Maddie continues her work with City Sprouts, her dedication to building resilient, connected communities through gardening shines brightly. Her passion for education and local food systems is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact she and City Sprouts will continue to make in the years to come.
Tune in to the full podcast episode to hear more from Maddie and learn about the amazing work City Sprouts is doing to foster a love of gardening and community among Boston’s students.
