Underground Utility Lines

Locate underground utility lines before digging. Common Ground Alliance provides a free marking of the utilities. Just call 811. For more information, go to: http://www.call811.com/.

Community Garden Plots

A list of community gardens with available plots is currently being compiled. Check back later for additional information.

Mayor's Garden Plots - 2400 Tibbs Ave
Tilling is provided by Indy Parks but gardeners must supply their own plants and water. Registration and plots open on April 20, 2009, for previous registrants. It is anticipated that plots will be available for new customers on May 4. The cost is $30 for a 50x50 plot and $15 for a 25x25 plot. Seniors receive a 50 percent discount. Plots are available through the end of October. Users are not allowed to install any permanent structures or trellises. For more information, call 327-7418. Source: Indy Parks

If you know about other garden plots in the Indianapolis area that are available to the public, please contact the webmaster.

Garden Information

Growing Vegetables

The 10 most popular vegetables to grow, according to a 2009 report by the National Gardening Association, are (in order): tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, carrots, summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce and peas.

For a list of vegetables adapted to growing in Indiana, click here.

Home Gardener's Guide (Purdue publication HO-32)

Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (Purdue publication HO-186)

Tomatoes (Purdue publication HO-26)

Additional Vegetable Publications (Purdue)

Growing Herbs (Purdue publication HO-28)

Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden (Purdue publication E-21)

Common Diseases in the Home Garden (University of Missouri)

Watch Your Garden Grow: A Guide to Growing, Storing and Preparing Vegetables (University of Illinois)

Organic Vegetable Production (Purdue publication ID-316)

If you are just starting a community garden, it might be best not to construct permanent raised beds the first year. However, there are advantages to raised beds. If you do not have enough space in your garden plot, you can also consider growing vegetables in containers at home if you have a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The links below will provide more information on these topics.

Container and Raised Bed Gardening (Purdue publication HO-200)

Making a Raised Bed Garden (video) (National Gardening Association)

Growing Vegetables in Pots (Kansas State University)

Garden Resources

Free compost to improve your soil is available through the City of Indianapolis Leaf Collection Program. You can pick up the compost at the Southside Landfill, 2577 S. Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221. This self-service operation is available 24 hours a day from 7:00am on Monday through 7:00pm on Saturday (closed Sunday). Call (317) 247-6808 if more information is needed.

Begin to make your own compost to add to your garden each year. The links below provide more information on the subject.

Managing Yard Wastes: Clippings and Compost (Purdue publication ID-182)

Household Composting: Methods and Uses for Compost (Purdue publication HENV-103)

Household Composting with Worms (Purdue publication HENV-104)

Manure may be available from area horse stables for a small fee. To avoid possible introduction of weed seed into the garden, select well-aged manure. Fresh manure could be worked into the soil in the fall for spring planting, but it could also introduce additional weed seed. Only use well-composted manure in spring applications to avoid health concerns.

Wood chips are often available through utility companies. Quality is variable but the wood chips are usually suitable for pathways between plots. For current availability, call the Indianapolis Power & Light Company at (317) 261-8128.

Free/Low Cost Seeds

America the Beautiful Fund

Plants

Free Plant Exchange, May 9, 2009, 1-3pm, Indianapolis

Help for Garden Questions and Problems

In the Indianapolis area, contact the Master Gardener Answerline. Call (317) 275-9292 or e-mail: marionmg@purdue.edu.

If the problem cannot be solved via phone or e-mail, bring a sample of the plant or pest problem to the Purdue Extension-Marion County office.

For other counties in Indiana, contact your local Purdue County Extension office.

For lawn and garden information in other states, contact your nearest County Extension office.

Impact of Gardening

The Impact of Home and Community Gardening in America (National Gardening Association, 2009)

Benefits of Community Gardens (ACGA)

Older Gardeners Meet Physical Activity Recommendation through Gardening (HortTechnology, ASHS)

Website Links for Community Gardeners

American Community Gardening Association

Indy Tilth

Plant a Row for the Hungry Program (Garden Writers Association)

National Gardening Association
Note: Some of the pest control recommendations given at this website are NOT recommended for Indiana and/or are illegal in the state of Indiana.

Page Created 03/09 - Updated 06/09