Resources
Starting a community garden can be intimidating, especially if your group is new to gardening. The good news is that most gardeners are enthusiastic about what they do and are willing to share their experiences. There are many resources available to gardeners, and what we have listed below is just the tip of the iceberg. Start here and keep exploring --- learning is a lifelong journey!
Please note: The City of Savannah shares these resources for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement or affiliation with the City of Savannah. The City does not control or assume responsibility for the content of external websites.
Local:
- Community Garden Manual | City of Savannah: A starting place for individuals and organizations interested in establishing a community garden in Savannah, regardless of whether it is on a city- or privately-owned lot.
- Home Gardening Resources | Chatham County Cooperative Extension: Collection of UGA Extension publications and websites to guide the Chatham County home gardener (ex. planting calendars, mulching, watering, disease/pest control, and many more topics). You may also send questions to the Master Gardeners email address for inquiries specific to your garden.
- Water Connects Us All | City of Savannah: Resources and toolkits for outdoor water conservation.
- Chatham County Public Works | Yard Waste Recycling Program: Chip/mulch material available to the public at no charge. Visit the website and call the number to submit a request.
- Savannah ACTion Project | City of Savannah: For residents living in the westside of Savannah, the ACTion grant can provide financial support to community gardens looking to purchase/rent out supplies.
- GA Pest Management Handbook: Home & Garden Edition | UGA: Non-commercial recommendations for pest-control around homes.
- Savannah Tool Library: Membership-based, local tool library that aims to provide "...access to a wide selection of tools for home improvement, creative projects, gardening, and more".
- Re:Purpose Savannah: Reclaimed lumber yard stocked with historic building materials and architectural salvage. Everything from antique heart pine lumber, flooring, doors, windows, and unique features.
Other Resources:
- Home Depot | Tool & Equipment Rental: Various equipment rentals (ex. tools, trucks, vans, lawn, garden, and tree care).
- Lowe's | Tool & Equipment Rental: Various equipment rentals (ex. tools, trucks, vans, lawn, garden, and tree care).
- The American Gardening Association: Grassroots non- profit advocacy organization focused on community gardening.
- Smarter Pest Management: Protecting Pollinators at Home | Xerces Society: A guide to managing yard pests in a pollinator-friendly way.
- The University of Maine | Cooperative Extension: General information on installing rain gardens. Prior approval required if installing on city-owned lots.
- Composting at Home | US EPA: General information on composting and how to get started.
Don't see a resource listed here that you think is relevant? Share it with us!