With the growing interest in gardening (pun intended!) we know lots of folks have questions. Use the resources below to plan your garden here in the Washington, D.C metro area in containers, raised beds, or the backyard.
Planning your garden:
It is important to test your soil for lead before planting a garden.
Danger in the Dirt: Why and How to test your soil
A garden plan will help determine what type of garden is best for your growing space.
Creating A Garden Plan
Square food gardening is an easy way to plan your garden so that each plant has the right amount of room to grow.
Square Foot Gardening Planning Charts
How to Space A Square Foot Garden
Building your garden:
Container gardens are great for people who don’t have a lot of space. These sheets will explain how to get started on a great container garden.
Container Gardening Pot and Soil Guide
Easy Steps to Container Gardening
Top 10 Tips for Great Container Gardens
Raised beds are build atop grass, concrete, or dirt. This document explains how to build the beds.
How to Construct Raised Beds: Supplies and Instructions
These documents will help you find seeds and tools to start your garden.
Vegetable Seed Sources
Tool Price List
Compost is the key to a successful garden. Check out these sheets to find out what to compost, and how to build pallets to make your own compost for your garden.
Compost 101
Composting with pallets
Harvesting:
These timelines will help you determine the best time to plant and when to pick your produce.
When to Plant and Harvest
Harvesting Vegetables: How do you know when to pick?
Funding and Assistance:
How to Fund A Non-Profit Garden Project
Community Experts: Cooperatives and Educational Resources
Community Workshops and Events:
Check out this worksheet to see a list of free garden events.
Free Garden Events 2010
These local partners do garden workshops and are great resources for tips and advice: