Gardening is a rewarding pursuit that can transform any space into a thriving ecosystem of plants, whether you’re cultivating vegetables for your table or flowers for beauty. At UGA Extension, we provide research-based guidance for three main types of gardens:
- Home gardens for personal cultivation
- Community gardens that bring neighborhoods together
- School gardens that serve as living classrooms
Our extensive resources help gardeners at all levels succeed, from selecting the right location and preparing soil to maintaining healthy plants throughout the growing season.
Home Gardening
Home gardening is an excellent way to grow fresh, nutritious produce and ornamental plants in your family garden. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, there are gardening methods suitable for your space. Start by choosing the right location, preparing your soil, and selecting plants adapted to your local climate.
HOME GARDENING
Resources
Our comprehensive collection of guides covers essential topics from soil testing and fertilization to specific growing techniques for heirloom vegetables and sunflowers, with a focus on fundamental gardening practices like irrigation and starting plants from seed.
Westerfield, R., and Richardson, W., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Dorn, S., and Pennisi, B., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Westerfield, R., Robinson, H., and Bohensky, S., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Lessl, J., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Westerfield, R., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Home Gardening
2022
Lessl, J., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Community Gardens
Community gardens provide shared spaces for urban residents to grow food and flowers. They offer opportunities for social interaction, education, physical activity and community building. Many community gardens in Georgia are supported by UGA Extension through technical assistance and educational programs.
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Resources
These resources guide communities through the process of establishing and maintaining shared garden spaces, with practical advice on garden siting, seed saving, and building successful community engagement.
Westerfield, R. and Bauske, E.M., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Seed Saving in Georgia Gardens
2022
Griffin, B., Hoppers, A., Kent, R., MacAllister, C., and Williams, J., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
School Gardens
School gardens serve as outdoor classrooms for students, providing hands-on learning experiences, physical activity, and opportunities for teamwork. These gardens can be tied to school curriculum in science, nutrition, environmental studies, history, math, and language arts. They are often used as a pathway to science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) learning.
SCHOOL GARDENS
Resources
Our school garden publications provide structured guidance for educators and administrators, from initial planning through seasonal management, with resources aligned to support year-round learning opportunities in outdoor classroom environments.
Grififn, B. and Knauft, D., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Griffin, B., Morgan, J., and Harper, E., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Griffin, B., Hoppers, A., and Holloway, A., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Westerfield, R. and Berle, D., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension