Agricultural Resources
Slow Food USA Garden Resource Guide
Jefferson County Extension Office – helpful resource that is free or inexpensive through UofK. They would also be very likely to provide you with soil testing, and planting/harvesting calendars, as well as classes & lists of good plants & where to get them. They typically have a staff horticulturist, though be advised, County Extension is still pretty conventional.
*Note, if you are incorporating trees into your landscape/ plan, the Forestry Service offers free help in choosing native plants best suited for your land. They'll do a site visit to advise you based on your needs.
They also offer plant & tree sales at incredible prices. We planted 200 saplings purchase from them & shipped to our home for less than $100. Seriously, $2 a tree.
Go to a free meeting or training at 15,000 Farmers, an organization that supports backyard gardening and gives easy instructions on how to do it. info@15thousandfarmers.com. Post on their Facebook page your need for help and see who responds!
My mom also loves this store in Shelbyville called Rural King. I've never been, but she and her husband get so many supplies for their homestead there. Address: 181 Boone Station Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065 Phone:(502) 633-4443
Fun Research Websites
Amazing website about community gardens, including a large section on gardening with children
Getting started, curriculum, etc. for growing school gardens from Kids Gardening
List of great community gardening resources from Oklahoma State
Sourcing Materials: (In addition to Lowes, Home Depot & ACE Hardware)
Boland Maloney Lumber – good resource for lumber supplies
Habitat ReStore – offer both new and used household items
Builder’s Surplus – carry remodeling supplies & seconds cheaper (it’s like an overstock.com for builder's supplies)
Nurseries & Garden Supply Companies
Fresh Start Growers Supply – excellent resource for supplies (soil, seeds etc) and for information 1007 E Jefferson St Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 442-7883
Dropseed Native Plant Nursery Goshen, KY – Specializing in native plants
Plant Kingdom Nursery (they sell interesting fruit trees)
Other Resources
Jefferson County Master Gardener’s Association – master gardeners who volunteer in the community to educate on gardens, esp focusing on underserved communities
Glenview Garden Club – garden club that supports community initiatives