Coast of Maine’s Growing Good Program Surpasses 2,000 Garden Donations
Kids prepare garden beds using Coast of Maine organic soil as part of the Growing Good Program, which partners with local retailers to help schools build hands-on learning spaces and teach students the fundamentals of gardening and environmental stewardship.
Coast of Maine Organic Products has reached a milestone with its Growing Good Program, surpassing 2,000 donated gardens in just five years. Launched in 2021, the initiative links retailers, educators, and community organizations through hands-on organic gardening projects. With participation from independent garden centers and hardware retailers, the program has supplied organic soils and amendments to schools, youth organizations, and nonprofits across the country, helping turn outdoor spaces into learning environments and community hubs.
History and mission of Coast of Maine, Growing Good Program
Founded in 1996, Coast of Maine built its reputation on sustainably sourced, organically approved soils, composts, and mulches derived from marine and agricultural materials. The company’s long-standing focus on environmental stewardship shaped the Growing Good Program, which formalizes retailer-community partnerships and makes it easier for schools and nonprofits to access organic gardening resources.
How the Growing Good Program works
The program centers on school and community gardens, with Coast of Maine describing the initiative as a way to support educators from elementary through high school who use gardening as part of the learning process.
Previously, retailers would donate soils on a case-by-case basis, but in the past year the company streamlined the process: schools now contact Coast of Maine directly, complete an online application, and are matched with a participating retailer for pickup. Coast of Maine fulfills the order at wholesale pricing, notifies the retailer, and coordinates the pickup details. The system creates what the company calls a template for success—one that strengthens relationships between local retailers and the organizations they serve. Teachers who previously paid out-of-pocket now receive support without financial strain, and schools regularly send photos, cards, and thank-you notes acknowledging the contribution. Coast of Maine representatives describe the program as one that creates “happy kids, happy teachers” and reinforces the spirit of community involvement, according to Cameron Bonsey, Special Programs Manager at Coast of Maine.
Program Growth and Hardware Retailer Participation
The program’s rapid expansion reflects its appeal to both schools and retailers. Coast of Maine reports the following annual donations: 122 gardens in 2021; 207 in 2022; 264 in 2023; 593 in 2024; and 831 in 2025, for a total of 2,017 gardens. In 2025 alone, 25 percent of all donations—213 in total—originated through partnerships with Ace Hardware retailers. A dedicated online collaboration with Aubuchon Hardware provided a particularly successful model, demonstrating how digital connections between schools, retailers, and Coast of Maine can scale the program further. The company views this as a framework that can extend to True Value, Do it Best, and other regional chains and independents.
Another example of this program in action is A Few Cool Hardware Stores in Washington, D.C. teaming with Coast of Maine and FoodPrintsDC, a nonprofit program that integrates gardening, cooking, and nutrition into elementary school curricula, to support hands-on gardening and soil-health education in schools and community spaces. This collaboration provides students and neighbors with quality planting materials while strengthening the connection between these neighborhood retailers and the communities they serve.
“Healthy soil grows more than plants—it grows opportunity,” Bonsey said. “Reaching 2,000 gardens shows what can happen when local retailers become active community partners. Together, we’re cultivating relationships that go far beyond the cash register.”
Why the 2,000 Gardens Milestone Matters
Each garden reflects community relationships strengthened through a simple process: neighbors helping neighbors grow something meaningful. From school gardens used for science and teamwork lessons to nonprofit gardens producing fresh food, Growing Good continues to connect people through the shared act of planting and tending. Coast of Maine plans to expand the program in 2026 and is encouraging additional independent retailers and hardware chains to participate.
For more information or to explore participation opportunities for your store, visit Coast of Maine’s website.
