Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a garden?

Gardens are a wonderful way to practice sustainable living principles and to reap the bounty that nature affords us. If you're new to gardening, research is an important first step. A simple “How do I start a garden” Google search will provide you with a wealth of information. The next step is to visit gardens in your area. Try to visit different types of gardens – container gardens, raised bed gardens, vegetable, herb, and flower gardens – to get an idea of what best suits your needs. The market garden managed by Grow Pittsburgh at the Frick Art and Historical Center uses different garden techniques and is a good example of a backyard garden. Once you know what kind of garden you want, plan it out. Remember that successful gardens require consistent attention, so factor that into your time budget. Also keep in mind that no one gets it “right” the first time (or perhaps ever). Gardening is an ongoing experiment with nature. Happy growing!

Should I get my soil tested?

If you live in the city and want to plant vegetables, you should probably test the soil. The back yard might look safe, but if you live in an older residential area you can never be certain what might have been dumped or stored there in the past. Heavy metals such as lead can be dangerous if ingested. If you are dealing with a large space (over 500 sq ft), it's a good idea to test the soil in several different locations.

Where can I get a soil testing kit?

Kits are available from the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office located at 400 North Lexington in Point Breeze (412-473-2540) as well as the Phipps Garden Center next to Mellon Park (412-441-4422). Kits can also be ordered online from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst at http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest. Standard test kits cost approximately $10 each and take about three weeks to be processed. The test results will not only list types and amounts of contaminants but provide recommendations for dealing with them.

What should I do if my soil is contaminated?

Solutions to contaminated soil depend on how contaminated it is. The best way to treat high levels of contamination is through phytoremediation – using sunflowers or other brassica plants that can draw heavy metals and toxins up through their roots. It takes three seasons to remediate the soil, and afterwards the plants must be discarded in the trash not placed in your compost pile. For mildly contaminated soil it is safe to use raised beds. Build the frames out of wood, stones, or bricks – not railroad ties since they are treated with creosote – then place a couple layers of corrugated cardboard on the bottom before filling with at least 18” of fresh dirt.

How do I get involved in a community garden project?

Grow Pittsburgh is aware of numerous community garden projects across the region. If you would like to volunteer your time with one of them, we will try to put you in touch with the sponsoring organization. To reserve a plot in a shared community garden space, contact Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. If your organization wishes to start a community garden project, Grow Pittsburgh is happy to offer advice. We can help you plan, provide plant starts, and link you to resources in the community. In the near future, Grow Pittsburgh will also be starting a garden tool lending program.

Can I start a garden on a vacant lot?

If you have found a vacant lot that looks like a perfect place for a garden, find out who owns the property by going to Allegheny County's Real Estate website. It is illegal to enter onto privately-owned property without permission – even if it has been tax delinquent for years. But if the property is City-owned, individuals can obtain a garden waiver free of charge from the City's Real Estate Division (412-255-8959). Keep in mind that City-owned property can be sold at any time. In general, it's a good idea to check with the Real Estate Division to find out if there is any pending activity for the property.