Gardening in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Offers 177 plots that are approximately 20 by 25 feet. Rockville residents pay $40 per plot, non-residents pay $50 per plot. There is water available on site but there are no shared garden tools or hoses available. In my experience, plots are still available way past the February renewal dates listed on the webpage. Call or email them later in the season and you may still be able to find a last minute plot.

There are plots for rent in nine parks in Fairfax County: Baron Cameron Park in Reston, Broyhill Crest in Annandale, Bo White Gardens in Annandale, Franconia Park in Alexandria, George Mason Park in Annandale, Grist Mill Park in Alexandria, Lewinsville Park in McLean, and Nottoway Park in Vienna. Plots are either 30 feet by 20 feet or 10 feet by 20 feet. There's limited water access available.

There are lots of small community gardens tucked around the District--most without websites, so you might have a hard time finding them without this spreadsheet from DC Urban Gardeners. Browse through the list and call or email the person in charge of the garden you're interested in.

This is the place to go if you any gardening related questions. They even operate a telephone hotline if you want to talk to someone in person: 1-800-342-2507. You can send them plant or insect samples for diagnosis, submit questions by email (or read questions submitted by others), or browse for useful tips.

Has a variety of resources for gardeners including a list of native plant species and a list of invasive plant species to avoid.

A ton of useful resources and links to be found here. This includes information on insect identification, soil testing, and monthly gardening tips.

A Fairfax County, Virginia organization. In addition to running a public garden, they run educational programs and have lots of great gardening advice.

Offers a variety of educational gardening events and programs and a ton of useful gardening links.

There is one location in Kensington and one in Bowie. This is a small locally owned store that manages to somehow always have everything you need.

There are two locations in Bethesda. Both are extremely crowded, and a bit expensive, but you'll find a great selection of transplants. I avoid this place mainly because the parking lot is a complete nightmare.

Three locations: Bethesda, Potomac and Silver Spring. This place is locally-owned and well staffed with folks that know what they are doing.

This place is well-hidden in Rockville--it is in Mid-Pike Plaza behind the Toys R' Us. They have lots of healthy transplants but very minimal gardening supplies.

Located in the U Street area. This place is a bit on the pricey end of the spectrum. Locally-owned and stocks a large selection of transplants.

Located on Capitol Hill. A small store, but it specializes in plants for urban gardening.

This outdoor gardening festival with tons of shopping is held once a year. This year it is on May 2 and 3, 2008.

Located in Arlington, this small locally-owned hardware store is packed with everything you'll need.