From a Prison Vegetable Garden to Independence
At the Warsaw–Grochów Remand Prison, in the External Unit in Warsaw–Bemowo, we are launching the pilot project “From a Prison Vegetable Garden to Independence” – an initiative that combines education, working with nature, and the development of social competences among incarcerated people. The garden is being implemented in close cooperation with the Prison Service. The project is carried out by the Foundation for Culture House in partnership with the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, within the programme “Idea Incubator 3 – support for the development of social innovations in the field of social inclusion”, implemented by the Shipyard Foundation.
This initiative is part of a broader process of identifying and developing new solutions in the area of social inclusion – from early-stage ideas, through testing, to the dissemination of the most effective models.
About the project
The project involves creating a model vegetable garden within a penitentiary setting. The garden will serve as a space for learning, cooperation, and building responsibility. Participants will gain practical horticultural skills, learn the principles of ecological cultivation, and develop teamwork and planning abilities.
The programme has both educational and practical dimensions and is based on regular work in the garden, combined with preparatory workshops. It includes planning crops, plant care, basics of food production, and reflection on healthy lifestyles and independence.
As shown in the pilot programme, working with plants strengthens a sense of agency, reduces stress, and allows participants to see tangible results of their work – which is crucial in the process of social reintegration .
Why a garden?
People in prison often experience isolation, tension, and a lack of control over their lives. This project responds to these challenges by creating a space for action, shared responsibility, and relationship-building. Working together in the garden supports the development of social skills, cooperation, and a renewed sense of purpose.
At the same time, participants acquire concrete vocational skills that can be used after release – both in employment and in everyday life .
Social innovation
The project is developed within the Idea Incubator programme, which aims to support innovative solutions in the field of social inclusion. Two incubation cycles will be carried out, and the most promising ideas will receive financial and substantive support for testing and development.
In addition, selected solutions will undergo an acceleration process, and the 10 best social innovations will be disseminated as scalable models that can be implemented elsewhere.
“From a Prison Vegetable Garden to Independence” contributes to this process as a new approach to rehabilitation – based on work, relationships, and real experience of change.
Partnership and team
The project is coordinated by Beata Matusiak-Bulak from the Foundation for Culture House. The innovation is developed by Ruta Śpiewak and Adam Czarnecki from the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences – researchers working at the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences and specialising in social farming and its applications across Europe.
This combination of practical experience and academic expertise creates a strong foundation for developing a solution that can be expanded and implemented in other penitentiary institutions.
