COMMUNITY 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.
Office of the Philadelphia Sheriff
Sells tax delinquent properties at public auction.
Philadelphia Land Bank
Where to learn about acquiring a property or obtaining an urban garden agreement.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation FarmPhilly Program
The City of Philadelphia’s urban agriculture program provides a range of assistance and supplies to gardeners.
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
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/
Garden Tenders – An introduction to community organizing, accessing resources and establishing a community garden https://phsonline.org/programs/community-gardens/community-education
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Gardening, greening and learning resources.
PHS Community Gardens Program
A program for community gardens offering resources, workshops, supplies, technical assistance and much more.
PHS Tree Tenders
A program that teaches the basics of tree planting, tree care and how to gather communities around the importance of trees.
PHS Subject Guides
The PHS McLean Library offers research assistance and gardening and greening resources.
Philadelphia Orchard Project
A nonprofit organization that works with community-based groups and volunteers to plan and plant orchards of useful and edible plants.
PWD Urban Garden Guide – Guide to obtaining water access, charitable discount, and stormwater exemption PWD Urban Garden Guide
PHS McLean Library Subject Guides on Community Gardening http://pennhort.libguides.com/CommunityGardening
Growing Together Guide – Practical tips and resources to make gardening spaces welcoming for everyone, including universal design principles for more accessible gardens https://disabilities.temple.edu/programs-services/health-equity/food-justice/growing-together
Philadelphia Orchard Project Resource Collection – Local resources on fruit tree species selection and care Resources – Philadelphia Orchard Project
Xerces Society – Planting guide for Mid-Atlantic pollinator habitat https://xerces.org/publications/plant-lists/native-plants-for-pollinators-and-beneficial-insects-mid-atlantic
Rodale Institute – Offers free organic agriculture consulting sessions to urban growers https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/
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
University of Mass Soil Test Lab – Their $20 test covers basic heavy metals http://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory
Tree Tenders – Connect with a local Tree Tenders group to learn more about tree planting and care – https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-a-tree
Soil Generation
A coalition of brown and black gardeners, famers and community members working to ensure how land is used, address community health concerns, grow food and improve the environment.
Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program
Extensive training in many phases of gardening.
American Community Gardening Association
A national nonprofit working toward increasing and enhancing community gardening and greening. There 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/
Xerces Society – Mid-Atlantic monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat kit grant program https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/habitat-kits/mid-atlantic
Philadelphia Orchard Project – Partners with community green spaces to plant and maintain orchards https://www.phillyorchards.org/orchards/
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
CITY RESOURCES
Philadelphia Land Bank
Where to learn about acquiring a property or obtaining an urban garden agreement.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation FarmPhilly Program
The City of Philadelphia’s urban agriculture program provides a range of assistance and supplies to gardeners.
Office of the Philadelphia Sheriff
Sells tax delinquent properties at public auction.