Fairfax Food Council

703-246-8404 TTY 711
10777 Main Street, Suite 325
Fairfax, VA 22030
Diane Charles
Project Manager

Urban Agriculture Work Group

Fairfax County Food Gardens

See schools, faith communities, workplaces and neighborhoods that are vegetable gardening and farming in Fairfax County. Send map edits to: HDFairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov.

See a larger version of the map.

Community Garden: Planning Your Garden

As you plan your garden, factors to consider include:

  • Sunlight - at least 6 -8 full hours of sunlight daily
  • Drainage – No standing water after heavy rains
  • Slope – Heavy rains can wash away soil
  • Water availability – close to a water source
  • Security/Wildlife – protected from unwanted visitors

Community Garden: How to Test Your Soil

Soil is the key to your garden's success!

  • Get a Soil Test Kit (Available at Fairfax County Libraries, VCE office and some local garden centers)
  • With results, amend the soil with the recommendations provided
  • Good soil takes time!

Community Garden: Involving your Community

Involving your community is essential to success. Consider the following:

  • Create a team of community members willing to take ownership for the creation and maintenance of the garden
  • Know your goals
  • Decide who will have access to the garden and who will receive the food grown
  • Decide what you want to grow
  • Create a timeline detailing your plan for development, breaking ground, planting, and work days

Partners:

The Food Council’s Urban Agriculture Work Group has many partners who are engaged with work group activities; provide input and advise to the work group or individual members; and often provide support in a variety of ways to support the mission of the work group. 

Fairfax Virtual Assistant