Resources

At Mitchell Giving Gardens, we believe knowledge grows best when it’s shared. This page is a living library for gardening, local food, and community resources. Share your favorites and check back as we continue to add more!

Zone 7 Planting Guide

GARDENING GUIDES

Learn the basics or expand your skills with our seasonal gardening guides and resources. Whether you’re tending a raised bed, growing in pots, or planning your first plot, these resources are designed to support gardeners of all experience levels.

Days to Seed Starts by Temp

Chart showing days to germinate vegetables and herbs at various temperatures, from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sq Ft Planting Guide

Illustrated garden planting guide featuring various vegetables and herbs with recommended spacing per square foot, including categories for leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs.

How to Build a Hoop House

Filling Raised Beds

Infographic titled 'Filling Your Raised Garden Beds' from Mitchell Giving Gardens, illustrating five steps: 1) Cover the bottom of the bed with cardboard, 2) Gather wooden materials with a picture of logs, 3) Add woodchips and compostable materials with a small pile of mulch, 4) Fill the raised bed with soil shown as dark ground, 5) Water and plant with a watering can, with detailed instructions for each step.

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

Cover of a guide titled "How to Build a Raised Bed," featuring an image of a garden with raised wooden beds, greenhouses, and lush plants, credited to the Avery Cooperative Extension Center.

How to Build a Compost Bin

Guide on building a compost bin from Mitchell Giving Gardens with a background of compost bins and garden signs.

Community Resources

We’re proud to be part of a network working to strengthen food security and wellness across Mitchell County. Here are some local organizations and programs offering food access, education, and community support.

The Hive – A community and youth arts center in Spruce Pine offering creative programs, a partnership between the Spruce Pine Housing Authority and Penland School of Craft.

Shepherd’s Staff Food Pantry– Local food pantry providing essential groceries and meals.
TRACTOR Food & Farms – A nonprofit food hub based in Spruce Pine and a leader in regional food systems development. TRACTOR connects local farmers to wholesale markets and community outlets. Check out their weekly CSA subscriptions.
Toe River Health District – Nutrition education and public health resources
Mitchell County Cooperative Extension – Gardening classes and agricultural support

Farms & Local Producers We Support

Although we grow a lot of organic produce in our gardens each year, we supplement our food distributions with food from local and regional farmers.

Whenever possible, Mitchell Giving Gardens purchases produce directly from small farms. Supporting our regional food economy keeps money in our community.

Dirtcraft Organics - Marshall, NC The Southeast's craft soil blender. Peat-free & organic performance soil mixes for every application.
Green Mountain Plant Co. – Burnsville, NC Sustainable plant starts
Just Local – Bakersville, NC Local food store
TRACTOR Food & Farms – Spruce Pine, NC A nonprofit food hub based in Spruce Pine and a leader in regional food systems development. Check out their weekly CSA subscriptions.

Want to share a resource?

Reach out if you have a guide, farm, or organization to recommend. Please contact us — we’d love to hear from you!