Dogpatch Urban Gardens plans to expand its urban farm with the purchase of a parking lot adjacent to the farm property on 51st Street. According to a news release, Dogpatch Urban Gardens purchased the parking lot from Meredith Reformed Church when the church merged with its Bridge Campus in Johnston. Officials with DUG said in a release that the expansion will help the organization continue to grow and open opportunities for collaboration with other local businesses and organizations. They said it will also help facilitate a spring plant sale and improve parking for customers. DUG will seek to have the property rezoned as neighborhood commercial. Officials said DUG’s master plan includes transforming the underused parking lot into agricultural space, building heated high tunnels, enhancing the community free pantry, and expanding its agritourism operations. The Polk County Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a hearing on the rezoning request at 7 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the Public Works Building, 5885 NE 14th St., Des Moines.