Miracle-Gro Marks 75 Years by Seeding Intergenerational Gardens

MARYSVILLE, Ohio – April 17, 2026 – To commemorate its 75th anniversary, iconic gardening brand Miracle-Gro is planting the seeds for future generations of growers. In a new partnership with the national nonprofit KidsGardening, the company has launched the "Growing the Future" Intergenerational Garden Grant program, a novel initiative designed to cultivate connections between youth and seniors through the shared act of gardening.

The program will award 75 grants to organizations across the United States and its territories, a direct nod to the brand's milestone anniversary. Each grant, valued at $750, includes a $500 cash award and a $250 product coupon, providing community groups with the resources needed to either establish new gardens or enhance existing ones that intentionally bring different generations together.

A Legacy of Growth and Giving

While the "Growing the Future" program is the first grant initiative sponsored directly by the Miracle-Gro brand, it represents a deepening of a well-established philanthropic root system. It serves as a natural extension of the longstanding partnership between KidsGardening and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the company's charitable arm. Since 2019, the foundation and KidsGardening have collaborated on the annual GroMoreGood Grassroots grants, a program that has consistently invested in youth gardening across the country.

Over the years, the GroMoreGood initiative has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to community programs. For instance, in 2025 alone, the program supported 170 projects, aiming to connect over 38,000 young people with garden-based learning. This new brand-sponsored grant leverages that successful partnership, focusing its lens on the unique power of intergenerational bonds.

"Miracle-Gro has long been at the center of the American garden, and we know that the best gardens grow more than just plants—they grow relationships," said Sadie Oldham, VP & General Manager, Gardens at ScottsMiracle-Gro. "This grant is a tribute to that legacy. By connecting the wisdom of experienced gardeners with the wonder of youth, we are ensuring that the joy of gardening is passed down and preserved for generations to come."

This strategic move aligns with the company's broader efforts to reinforce its legacy while connecting with new audiences. As Miracle-Gro expands its portfolio with organic and natural product lines to appeal to younger, environmentally-conscious consumers, this grant program grounds the brand's 75-year history in a forward-looking mission of community and sustainability.

Cultivating More Than Just Plants

The core of the "Growing the Future" program lies in its recognition of the profound social benefits that emerge when seniors and children work side-by-side in the soil. Research has consistently shown that intergenerational programs are a powerful tool for building stronger, more empathetic communities. For older adults, participating in such activities can significantly reduce social isolation, provide a renewed sense of purpose, and offer cognitive stimulation through planning and problem-solving.

For children, the benefits are equally compelling. These interactions help break down stereotypes about aging, enhance communication and social skills, and provide invaluable mentorship. Studies indicate that youth involved in intergenerational mentoring are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The garden, in this context, becomes an outdoor classroom where life lessons about patience, responsibility, and the cycles of nature are learned alongside practical horticultural skills passed down from seasoned gardeners.

"At its heart, our work with Miracle-Gro is about cultivating human connection just as much as it is about cultivating gardens," explained Em Shipman, executive director of KidsGardening. "Through our years of work together on The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation's GroMoreGood Grassroots Grants, we've seen how gardens transform communities. The 'Growing the Future' grant with Miracle-Gro takes this further, recognizing that when we bring different generations together in the soil, we foster mentorship, empathy and lasting community bonds."

Sowing the Seeds for a Greener Future

Beyond fostering social cohesion, the grant program is poised to make a tangible impact on youth education and environmental literacy. By funding these garden projects, Miracle-Gro and KidsGardening are empowering a new generation to connect with their food, understand ecosystems, and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature. This hands-on experience is critical in an era of increasing disconnection from the natural world.

KidsGardening, a national nonprofit with over 40 years of experience, is uniquely positioned to facilitate this mission. The organization reaches more than 2.7 million children annually across all 50 states with grants, research-based curricula, and a robust community of practice for educators. With a strong track record of managing national grant programs and a high rating for financial health and accountability from charity evaluators, their involvement ensures the "Growing the Future" grants will be administered effectively to maximize community impact.

The program also aligns with ScottsMiracle-Gro's wider corporate responsibility goals, which include fighting food insecurity and promoting sustainable practices. These small-scale community gardens often become vital sources of fresh produce and serve as hubs for environmental education, from composting to creating habitats for pollinators.

How to Apply and Get Involved

Organizations interested in fostering these vital intergenerational connections have until Friday, May 15, 2026, to apply for a "Growing the Future" grant. The application process is managed by KidsGardening and is available in both English and Spanish, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.

To be eligible, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a tax-exempt entity, such as a school or municipality, located in the United States or its territories. The proposed garden program must serve a minimum of 15 youth and 15 seniors. To maximize community reach, priority will be given to programs that engage more than 50 youth.

Each of the 75 winning programs will receive a package valued at $750, consisting of a $500 check to cover project expenses and a $250 coupon for purchasing essential supplies from MiracleGro.com. Winners of the grants will be notified and publicly announced in July 2026 on the KidsGardening website.

This initiative provides a concrete pathway for communities to build bridges across generational divides, creating vibrant green spaces where wisdom is shared, curiosity is sparked, and relationships can blossom alongside the plants. For full eligibility requirements and to access the application, interested parties can visit https://kidsgardening.org/grant-opportunities/intergenerational-garden-grant/.