ask PHS

PHS does not offer free soil or plants for neighborhood gardens. PHS Garden Tenders is a training course for those interested in starting community gardens on vacant lots, in parks, around schools and churches, or other locations. You and your neighbors are strongly encouraged to join Garden Tenders and be in a network of other community gardeners in Philadelphia.  See the Garden Tenders page on our web site for details.

PHS Tree Tenders offers hands-on tree care training, covering biology, identification, planting and proper care. There may be Tree Tenders in your congregation or near you. Consult the Tree Tenders map.

Here is information on finding free or inexpensive gardening material:

Compost, mulch, wood chips, manure 

Philadelphia's  Organic Recycling Center is located at 3870 Ford Road, Philadelphia, PA 19131 (215-685-0108). For residents of Philadelphia.  There is no charge for small amounts of materials (up to a 30 gal. can). Residents who wish to obtain more than the free allotment must purchase the materials.

Saul High School often has  manure and veggie based compost. They sell it for  $25 per cubic yard and load it at no charge. For more information, call Scott Blunk. 815-546-9736

Seeds

Seed Savers Exchange gives free seed to community and educational groups .  Non-profits, schools, community gardens, and other educational programs in the U.S. are eligible. In exchange, participants are asked to  pass it on -- by teaching children to grow healthy food, by saving seeds for next year's garden, or by delivering produce to a local food pantry. Details at Seed Savers Exchange web site.

Plants

There are numerous plant sales in the Philadelphia area. These are organized by local plant societies and garden clubs and are a great way to obtain plants. Sometimes plant sales are listed in the PHS blog. Produce Junction stores sell plants. Also try the “big box” stores – Lowes and Home Depot for lower cost plants.

Pots and other gardening equipment

Try Craigslist Philadelphia and freecycle.org  Craigslist also is a good source for local plant sales.

Why not become a member of PHS? We have a plant dividend (free plants) in the Fall open to members as well as year round opportunities to learn about gardening, including access to our library at 20^th and Arch Streets and free or discounted programming for members.