Our School & Community Garden Program Helps Local Groups Grow Their Own Fruits & Vegetables

We provide education, resources, and assistance to qualifying school and community gardens. Gardening workshops are also offered at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Offices.

Gardening Resources & Publications

Arizona Gardens for Learning: Creating & Sustaining Your School Garden
Vegetable Planting Calendar for Maricopa County
10 Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden
Small Scale Composting in the Low Desert of Arizona
School Garden Food Safety Guidelines

Spring Gardening

Spring is a great time to go outside and plant a garden! The soil is warm, the days are sunny but not hot, and the soil is ready to nurture plants. Be sure to choose fast-growing varieties of vegetables so you can harvest before high temperatures slow or shut-down plant production. Try the following:
  • Corn
  • Tomatoes
  • Summer squash/zucchini
  • Radishes
  • Melons
  • Pumpkins
  • Sunflowers
  • Basil
These plants enjoy sun and warmth, but need to be watered regularly. Grow these in your garden or in large containers to enjoy fresh vegetables in your salad, snack, or main dish. Consult the Maricopa County Planting Calendar for more information. Happy gardening!

Garden Gallery

To Get Help with Garden Planning or to Schedule Gardening Classes Please Contact:

Marina Acosta
School and Community Gardens Program Coordinator 
(602)-827-8221 | macostaortiz@email.arizona.edu