There are many different types of gardens: community, school, faith, hospital, etc., that can benefit a community. With proper planning and attention, these gardens can grow just about anywhere from roofs to parking lots to the grounds of a building. This guide provides resources for groups wishing to develop a garden that will flourish and provide a bounty of fresh, healthy fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Fairfax County VA Growing Facts
- First/Last Frost dates (Fairfax County has 2 growing zones)
- Hardiness Zone
- Average Rainfall: About 40 inches a year
- Soil Type: Clay, poor quality
2019 Workshop Materials
- Edible Landscaping (9/19): Please note, a fully accessible version of this file is forthcoming, please email us with any questions.
2018 Workshop Materials
- Seed for the Garden
- Vegetables Recommended for Virginia
- Recommended Planting Guide & Recommended Planting Dates
- Deer: A garden pest
- Google Link to resources from David Sachs' presentation on soil building (4/9/18)
Finding and Starting a Community Garden
- Community Garden Start-Up Resources
- Fairfax County Rental Plots
- Fairfax City Community Gardens
- Virginia Fruit & Vegetable Availability Calendar
Where Can I Find Technical Assistance?
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Master Gardener Help Desk at Virginia Cooperative Extension Office: 703-324-8556 or mgfairfax@vt.edu
- Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
- American Community Gardening Association
- Practical Permaculture Gardening
Where Can I Send a Soil Test?
- Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab (Soil sample kits are available at Fairfax County Public Libraries)
Where Do I Find Sources for Funding?
- ACGA
- Education Outside
- Annie’s Grants for School Gardens
- Lowe’s Toolbox for Education
- Kids Gardening Grants
- Whole Kids Foundation
What Resources Are Available for Teaching Kids About Gardening?
- Collective School Garden Network
- Center for Ecoliteracy
- Garden ABCs
- The Edible Schoolyard
- Life Lab
- Kids Gardening
- Junior Master Gardener
- Center for Nutrition in Schools
- Garden Mosaics
- ACGA
- National Farm to School Network
- Botany Games & Resources for Kids