1. University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center

The University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) develops and delivers science-based, sustainable gardening and integrated pest management education for better human and environmental health. Click on the link above to access the site. 

The Home and Garden Information Center partners with the Master Gardener Program to provide educational resources to the volunteers as well as digital resources through the Home and Garden website. 

2. "Ask Extension" - University of Maryland 

The Extension Team at UMD  is composed of Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists, Extension faculty, and Master Gardeners. They answer yard and garden questions from Maryland and Washington, DC residents only. Click on the link above to submit your questions to the team. They usually reply within 48 hours. 

1. UDC CAUSES - Soil testing

Need a soil test? Look no further that the Environmental Quality Testing Laboratory (EQTL) of the University of the District of Columbia.  

The EQTL offers full-service environmental sampling and analysis to customers in the DC Metro Area and beyond. EQTL provides a wide range of services, including high-quality reliable and affordable analytical, and field sample collection services. 

2. DUG Network

The DUG Network website is the place to go to find out about DC metro-accessible events where you can learn from knowledgeable experts from across the district. You can also connect with farmers, organizations,  and cooperatives who can help you find what you need—whether it’s compost or a community plot—close to home by searching our extensive catalog of DC-area organizations and programs.  Join the community of DC-area residents, gardeners, beekeepers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists and food access advocates for more sustainable, equitable and locally produced food. 

If you're looking for more information on how to grow food, the DPR Urban Grower Webinar Course is a free online course focused on teaching people all the basics of gardening from building a home garden to cooking and preserving your harvest. You can access the videos HERE. 

The DUG Network also sends out a bi-weekly newsletter with info about what's happening in the urban agriculture, food access and environmental scene. Subscribe to their newsletter here: http://dugnetwork.org/newsletter/ 

3. Farmers Almanac

The Farmers Almanac provides a wealth of knowledge about gardening, but it is especially useful for its monthly calendar of gardening tasks. Keep up to date with your gardening activities by bookmarking this page on your computer. 

4.Pollinator Resources, by Kathy Sykes

Check out these amazing resources from Kathy Sykes on Native Plants for pollinators: 

• Recording of her class on YouTube

• Handout 

• PowerPoint slides 

• Native Plants for Pollinators Spreadsheet 

• Pollinators in Your Backyard Visuals

The last link is a spreadsheet that contains information Kathy compiled from a variety of sources including the Missouri botanical gardens, Audubon, the National Wildlife Federation. A short list of keystone trees and plants are identified too. In addition, she bolded plants and trees that many species of pollinators depend on. Kathy focused on perennials and native plants that all assist with pollinators. 

This list was last updated in March 2022. For the latest version, email Kathy at sykeskathy@yahoo.com. 

5. Germination Temperatures 

This fantastic resource from the University of California lists ideal germination conditions for vegetable seed germination. 

Many internal and environmental conditions influence seed germination: condition of the seed, presence of water, sufficient air, soil conditions, and temperature. The chart below lists the optimum soil temperatures at which they do best. This does not mean your seeds will not germinate at higher or lower temperatures, but greater success will be achieved if optimum conditions are provided. Using a probe-type thermometer is an accurate method for testing soil temperatures prior to planting seeds and small plants.

6. Fall 2022 DC MG Basic Training - Compiled Course Materials

This document contains a full compilation of the DC MG Fall 2022 Basic Training course materials, including links to resource materials shared by instructors, glossaries from each class, bibliographies and more. 

Download a compilation of Fall 2022 Basic Training course materials by clicking HERE. 

1. Grow DC Program Overview, Policies and Guidelines

This is a summary of the program and includes an overview of the general policies and guidelines. Read through this doc to understand the roles and responsibilities of all the participants, from the Grow DC Volunteer Committee to the MG volunteers who are connected to the schools. 

2. Sprout it Out

Sprout it Out is a monthly e-newsletter for District school garden, and farm to school programs, providing information on upcoming events, training sessions, funding opportunities, and program highlights from schools and organizations across the District. It is distributed by the school garden team at OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Subscribe below to receive this newsletter to your inbox each month. 

OSSE also manages a listserv to improve communication between school garden groups and supporting organizations. To sign up for the Sprout it Out Listserv - send an email to: 

sprout-it-out-subscribe@googlegroups.com 

3. Growing Strong - A Comprehensive Guide to Support all School Garden Programs in the District

Created by OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education), this guide is intended for a broad audience including teachers, school administrators, community-based organization staff, community members, and parents. It provides guidance for establishing a new school garden, maintaining an existing school garden, or using the school garden for instruction.

This guide will assist you with:

1. Starting a new school garden;

2. Maintaining an existing school garden; and

3. Providing high-quality garden-based instruction.

4. DC School Garden Vegetable Planting Calendar

Created by OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education), this guide is intended for a broad audience including teachers, school administrators, community-based organization staff, community members, and parents. It provides guidance for establishing a new school garden, maintaining an existing school garden, or using the school garden for instruction.

5. Sample Garden Planting Plan

Courtesy of the Washington Youth Garden, this sample school garden planting plan includes detailed instructions as well as plant lists, harvesting times and more to help you plan your school garden. 

6. Six Season Garden Maintenance Guide

Prepared by the wonderful team at the Washington Youth Garden, this easy to use garden maintenance guide will keep your school garden organized.