Growing in the Garden

This publication alerts prospective gardeners to some of the most common contaminants in urban soils, such as lead and other toxic metals, solvents, pesticides, and total petroleum hydrocarbons. Readers will learn how to minimize potential risks to gardeners and to those who consume garden produce. The document includes information regarding site characterization, common contaminants, soil testing, interpretation of results, and strategies for reducing exposure risks. To ensure quality site assessment and analyses, it may be necessary to engage trained professionals. Links to certified professional soil scientists, environmental consultants, and laboratories are provided.

A variety of resources about seed saving for gardeners from Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit organization based in Iowa dedicated to the preservation of heirloom seeds. Here you will find basic seed saving instructions for selected varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs; a new crop-specific seed saving chart, and archives of webinars (videos) on multiple seed saving topics.

We provide the seeds for an alternative to the industrial, globalized food system, and to encourage people to make a deeper connection with the earth. Since we began in 2018, we have sent 20,000 free seed packs to individuals in all 50 US states! These seeds are fueling community building, selfless giving, and healthy eating.

This guide is offered in English and Spanish and provides a quick overview to the essentials for successful vegetable gardening -- site selection, planning, preparing the soil, planting, garden care, pest and disease management, and when to harvest.

One source for free seeds is the U.S. government. The USDA makes seeds and plants available for research and breeding purposes. Included in their offerings are rare and unusual fruits and vegetables that would be difficult to find anywhere else.

This planting calendar shares when to plant seeds and transplants throughout the year for the most common vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown in NC. Planting dates are marked in turquoise for Eastern NC, in orange for the Piedmont, and in purple for Western NC.

The URI Free Seed Program is program is made possible annually through the generous donation of expired, unsold seed packets from Ocean State Job Lot stores throughout the Northeast.