April showers bring May flowers — so why not start preparing now? Research shows that the best time to start gardening in Virginia is April, after the last frost. Here’s your guide to gardening in Northern Virginia, and make sure to send us a picture of your bountiful harvest.

Free seeds

Just getting started? Here’s where you can get free seeds in the area. Pro tip: You can also donate your seeds to many of these spots.

Glencarlyn Library Community Garden Seed Library | You can find this seed library near the entrance of the local library in Arlington. You can take up to five packs.

Great Falls Library | Many of the Fairfax County Public Libraries have seed libraries. Here are the nine seed libraries at FCPL.

Don’t miss these other spots you can find free seeds.

Native plants sales

If you’re looking for some native plants that you don’t have to start from step one, check out these native plant sales around Northern Virginia:

Spring Garden Market | Friday, April 10 + Saturday, April 11 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | American Horticultural Society | Price of purchase
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Native Plant Sale | Saturday, April 11 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Morven Park Grounds, Leesburg | Price of purchase
Arlington Native Plant Sale | Saturday, April 25 | Fort C.F. Smith Park, Arlington | Price of purchase | Order by Friday, April 17
Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale | Saturday, April 25 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Church of St. Clement, Alexandria | Price of purchase

Pro tip: Area 2 Farms sells composted potting soil, perfect for your garden.

Community gardens

Now that you’ve got your seeds and native plants, it’s time to start growing. Don’t have your own garden or space, but still want to dig in? Check out these community gardens around town where you can get your hands dirty.

Learn more about:

Gardening clubs

NOVA is full of various gardening clubs, great for people of all skill levels. Here are a couple you can check out:

The purpose of The Garden Club of Alexandria is to encourage and engage people in gardening. Members are limited by charter and invitation.
Falls Church Garden Club meets 10 months out of the year and maintains a garden along the Washington and Old Dominion bike path. All experience levels are welcome.
The Reston Garden Club offers a variety of activities, like maintaining the Wildflower Trail or creating holiday green arrangements. See their full events calendar.
Meetings with the Cherrydale Garden Club are usually held once a month, where folks can socialize, share gardening tips, and learn about native plants.

What are your go-to local gardening tips or resources? Let us know.