Welcome to oyster gardening-

How to get started

Click below for a copy of the Virginia Oyster Gardening Guide. See page 11 for the Abbreviated Joint Permit Application For Noncommercial Riparian
Shellfish Aquaculture Structures - "Oyster Gardening".
 

 

• Attend an educational event

• Obtain helpful literature

•  Join TOGA

• Talk to a Master Oyster Gardener​​​

• Evaluate your gardening location

• Apply for a free permit

• ​Purchase or ​build floats and other equipment

• ​Purchase spat (oyster seed)

• Put your spat in the water

• Maintain your oysters and equipment

• Enjoy!

​

• Water depth should be 1 ft. or greater at low tide.

• Need a dock or pole to attach line to cage.

• Salinity should be 10 parts per thousand or greater. Click here.

• Be aware of sanitation, restrictions etc. Click here.