Spring is in the air, which means it is time to get your garden gear ready, rally your neighbors, and enter the annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest.
The plant-filled competition aims to bring communities together to make Brooklyn a cleaner and greener place. The contest considers residential and commercial blocks as well as community gardens in the borough.
The application process for the 2025 contest is now open and gardeners need to fill out the online form by June 1. There are eight categories, including best overall residential block, best window box, greenest storefront, and a special award for a block or garden demonstrating visible eco-friendly practices like composting and rainwater collection.

Last year Crown Heights’ Lincoln Place between Nostrand and New York avenues was named the Greenest Block in Brooklyn. It was the third time the block won top honors.
Registered participants have the opportunity to brush up their garden skills with workshops, walking tours with Brooklyn Botanic staff, and more educational opportunities. Winners in the 2025 contest will be announced in late summer at an in-person awards ceremony.
More details and registration materials can be found on the contest website.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner