Free Local Gardening Stuff

There's a surprising amount of free help out there for US gardeners. Here's where to look.

Before you spend a dime, check what your community already offers free. Across the US, a lot of gardening help is available at no cost.

Your county Extension office

Every US county has a Cooperative Extension office (UF/IFAS in Florida, Texas A&M AgriLife in Texas, and so on). They offer free, research-based advice, free or cheap soil testing, plant and pest ID, and classes. It's the single best free resource for a gardener, and it's where our calendars are sourced.

Free or cheap supplies

• Compost & mulch: many cities give away free mulch and compost from yard-waste programs. Ask your local solid-waste department.
• Seeds: public seed libraries at many local libraries lend and share seed free.
• Rain barrels & trees: some utilities and city programs offer rebates or giveaways.

Community & learning

• Community gardens often have free or low-cost plots and shared tools.
• Extension Master Gardener volunteer plant clinics answer questions free (note: that title is an Extension program; we just point you to them).
• Libraries run free gardening talks and lend tools.

Check your county Extension website and your city's waste/utility pages to see what's near you.