Growing Your Garden or Farm

So, you are all set up with land and a plan. What’s next? It is time to start growing! We can help you find materials and supplies in Pittsburgh, and point you in the direction of growing best practices. We also share who to ask for help when you need some personal assistance.

Finding Materials
The Grower’s Resources page on Grow Pittsburgh’s website can help you find all kinds of supplies in Pittsburgh. Also check out their Garden Resource Center, where for a fee you can borrow tools and access materials like wood chip mulch and compost. For any kind of building materials, visit Construction Junction where you can buy a wide array of recycled materials including lumber and cement blocks. Penn State Extension lists equipment and other farm needs suppliers here. 

Building Structures 
You may be interested in building different types of structures to assist in your growing, and some of these, such as sheds or fencing, fall under the enforcement of the zoning code. If you apply for an Urban Agriculture permit or for an Adopt-A-Lot Lease (to start a garden on City land), any proposed structures needs to be included in the plan you provide when you submit your permit application. 

There are also specifications for animal/bee-related structures in the Urban Agriculture zoning code that need to be followed (check out the info in the All About Land section (internal link). If your land is zoned as Agriculture, there are different rules that you can read in section 911.04.A.2 of the zoning code. For information about the zoning approval process in general, visit the Division of Zoning and Development Review’s website. 

For other structures like greenhouses or high tunnels, it is best to contact the Zoning department before building. If the structure is temporary, it may not need a permit.

Finding Information
While this guide is not focused on helping you to grow food, it is helpful to know where to look when you have problem or need more information. Check out these sources for best practices on various topics:
Soil Fertility

• Soils  (Penn State Extension)
• Building Soils for Better Crops, 3rd Edition (SARE)

Crop Selection/Planning

• Vegetable Planting and Transplanting Guide (Penn State Extension) 
• Production Guides (Penn State Extension)
• Scheduling Vegetable Plantings for Continuous Harvest (ATTRA)
• Companion Planting: Basic Concepts & Resources (ATTRA)

Irrigation 

• Irrigation for Fruit and Vegetable Production (Penn State Extension)
• Drip Irrigation for Vegetable Production (Penn State Extension)
• Building and Operating a Home Fruit and Vegetable Garden Irrigation System (Penn State Extension)

Pest and Disease Management

• Plant Disease Basics (Penn State Extension)
• Resource Guide to Organic Insect and Disease Management (Cornell University/NYSAES)
• Sustainable Weed Management for Small and Medium-Scale Farms (ATTRA)

Raising Animals

• Beekeeping (Penn State Extension)
• Small Poultry Flocks (Penn State Extension)
• Goats (Penn State Extension)

Season Extension/Building Structures 

• Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners (ATTRA)
• Permanent Raised Bed Gardening (Noble Foundation) 
• Hobby Greenhouse Construction (Alabama Cooperative Extension System)
• A Small Backyard Greenhouse (North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service)
• Portable Field Hoophouse (Washington State University Extension) 
• Plasticulture (Penn State Extension)

Getting Help

Maybe you need more help with growing than just a website? Contact these organizations for support:

• Grow Pittsburgh: 412-362-GROW (4769) or info@growpittsburgh.org
• Penn State Extension - Allegheny County: 412-263-1000 or AlleghenyExt@psu.edu
• Submit a question to Penn State Extension through their online form. 
• The Master Gardener program may also be able to answer growing-related questions.
• Allegheny County Conservation District also provides technical assistance to growers and farmers.