White House Vegetable Garden

The White House Vegetable Garden spreads across the South Lawn in an L-shaped layout with raised growing beds. Over 55 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs grow there with modern irrigation systems that support the collection year-round.

The garden emerged from a broader movement that took root during World War II when households everywhere grew vegetables for self-sufficiency. This wartime tradition later became formalized at the residence, carrying forward the ideals of that era.

The garden functions as a visible demonstration of sustainable farming within the capital, showing how food growing fits into daily institutional life. Visitors can observe firsthand how the space brings agricultural practices into an urban setting centered on self-sufficiency.

The space is accessible during scheduled Spring and Fall Garden Tours offered at the residence. From the Zero Milestone marker near E Street Northwest, passersby can also catch views of the beds from outside the grounds.

An apiary within the beds produces honey that the residence's pastry chefs use in official desserts served at the house. This connection between the bees and the kitchen shows how local ingredients become part of daily culinary practices.

GPS coordinates: 38.89580,-77.03710

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:00