RESOURCES

NGT RESOURCES

NGT Application Apply to NGT for preservation through our online or PDF form. To learn more about our preservation criteria and intake process. Click here

NGT Orientation Overview of NGT and gardener roles and responsibilities, NGT points of contact, and key meetings to stay connected with NGT staff and gardeners from other NGT sites.

NGT Community Garden Resources Directory of community garden resources in Philadelphia—from where to find low-cost plants and trees, to grant and learning opportunities.

NGT Priority Acquisition Plan Developed by NGT in 2016 with support from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), this plan strategically identifies and prioritizes gardens for preservation to provide maximum benefit to the city of Philadelphia and its residents.

LAND SECURITY RESOURCES

Grounded in Philly
A resource ecosystem for urban agriculture in Philadelphia that provides access to data on vacant land throughout Philadelphia and offers resources to individuals interested in starting or preserving community-based vacant land projects.

Philadelphia Land Bank
Where to learn about acquiring a city-owned property.

The Public Interest Law Center: Garden Justice Legal Initiative
Provides pro bono legal support, policy research and advocacy, and community education and organizing to community gardeners and market farmers.

Vacant Land 215
A comprehensive self-guide for gardeners looking to maintain or create community spaces on resource from out vacant land.

COMMUNITY GARDEN RESOURCES

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) FarmPhilly Program
The City of Philadelphia’s urban agriculture program provides a range of assistance and supplies to gardeners.

PPR Community Compost Network – Farm Philly develops composting facilities in parks and community gardens. Community composting | Programs and initiatives | City of Philadelphia. Email farmphilly@phila.gov for more information

Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center – Materials available for pick up for Philadelphia residents include compost, wood chips, shredded wood mulch and herbivore manure. Free in smaller amounts and low cost to fill a pick-up truck. Location: 3850 Ford Road, Philadelphia, PA 19131 | (215)-685-0108 https://www.phila.gov/services/trees-parks-the-environment/get-or-dispose-of-organic-materials/

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)
Gardening, greening and learning resources.

PHS Community Gardens Program
A program for community gardens offering resources, workshops, supplies, technical assistance and much more.

Garden Tenders  An introduction to community organizing, accessing resources and establishing a community garden

PHS Tree Tenders
A program that teaches the basics of tree planting, tree care and how to gather communities around the importance of trees.

Philadelphia Water Department Urban Garden Guide – Guide to obtaining water access, charitable discount, and stormwater exemption.

Growing Together Guide – Practical tips and resources to make gardening spaces welcoming for everyone, including universal design principles for more accessible gardens.

Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) – Partners with community green spaces to plant and maintain orchards

POP Resource Collection – Local resources on fruit tree species selection and care.

Xerces Society – Mid-Atlantic monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat kit grant program

Planting guide for Mid-Atlantic pollinator habitat

Rodale Institute – Offers free organic agriculture consulting sessions to urban growers https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/

PENN STATE RESOURCES

Penn State Extension Philadelphia Master Gardeners Horticulture hotline (HortLine) – Master Gardeners can answer your gardening questions! Email PhiladelphiaMG@psu.edu  with “Hortline” in the subject line

Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab – Soil test kits located at Penn State Extension Philadelphia County Click here for more information

Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program Extensive training in many phases of gardening.

University of Mass Soil Test Lab –  Their $20 test covers basic heavy metals http://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory

Soil Generation
A collective of brown and black women supporting their communities to access land, grow food, and prioritize healing.

American Community Gardening Association
A national nonprofit working toward increasing and enhancing community gardening and greening. Their resource guide provides discounts, a public forum and other publications and tools.

Tree Philly – Reserve up to 2 free yard trees every spring and fall  https://treephilly.org/

Get a street tree from the City of Philadelphia – https://www.phila.gov/services/trees-parks-the-environment/tree-related-services/get-a-street-tree/

Block Captains Beautification Program – $500 grant towards supplies and equipment  https://keepitcleanphilly.org/

Feet First Philly – Grants up to $2,000 for public space improvements https://feetfirstphilly.org/

Deeply Rooted – Grants for community greening projects in West and Southwest Philadelphia https://www.urbanhealthlab.org/deeply-rooted