Horticulture Program

The Horticulture Program works with youth and their families who are interested in learning how to grow healthy, productive and beautiful gardens. * Programs involve learning how to grow and maintain ornamental as well as food gardens. * Creating school gardens indoors under lights and outdoors in the ground and/or in containers. * Learning landscape design and upkeep. * All about caring for trees and lawns How to beautify the home with shrubs and flowers. * Youth and their families are learning how to care for their environment using the safest practices for disease and insect control. They are also learning how to garden for nature, creating sustainable habitats. * The program provides the educational support and technical assistance which helps learning happen.

Garden Mosaic project at the Steven Douglas School in the Port Richmond section of the city.

Urban Horticulture
* Helps transform neighborhoods and builds community cohesiveness.
* Makes connections between generations and cultures through gardening.
* Teaches youth how plants grow; where food comes from; the cycles of nature.
* Mentors youth to be environmental stewards.  

Cacheral Anderson (left) and Caylan Gordon (right), 4-H Junior Gardeners

The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer training program in horticulture. The 40 plus hours of college level classes cover all aspects of horticulture. It prepares volunteers to support the Extension program and supplement staff offerings with additional activities. Master Gardeners maintain the demonstration teaching gardens, staff educational tables at fairs and events work with community gardens and respond to requests for help throughout the city. The next class will begin in August, 2007. Interested people should call 215 471-2200 for more information and an application packet.

Master Gardener graduate and group

Horticulture Staff and Master Gardeners
*Help groups to organize and start gardens.
*Answer questions about growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamentals.
*Hold lectures, workshops and demonstrations for your group.
*Provide information and advice.
*Offer educational support and technical assistance to community, school, youth, or service groups.
*Maintain demonstration gardens.

For more information please contact our office.

Phone: (215) 471-2000
Fax: (215) 471-2231
Office Hours: 8:00 to 5:00
Email: PhiladelphiaExt@psu.edu

Urban Gardening Archives