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Oyster gardening is the non-commercial aquaculture of oysters.  It’s a popular activity in Virginia whereby waterfront homeowners grow oysters off their dock for local restoration purposes and/or personal consumption. Virginia is one, if not the only, state in the U.S. that permits oyster gardens in approved shellfish harvest areas and areas closed, or condemned, for harvest. Many states do not allow these activities.  Virginia oyster gardeners are also able to legally harvest what they grow, but only in areas approved for shellfish harvest by the Virginia Department of Health.  MAP staff support oyster gardening efforts by providing science-based information and education to Virginia’s oyster gardeners. The most critical steps oysters gardeners can take to protect public health and to continue Virginia’s oyster gardening legacy are to be compliant with the regulations. 

Oyster gardening is an enjoyable way to benefit local waterways by increasing water filtration and habitat. Follow these important steps to make sure you are doing it the right way.

STEP 1: Plan your garden

Use the available resources to determine if your area is suitable for a garden (depth, salinity. etc.) and what type of gear will work best for you and your site. Be sure the area occupied by gear doesn't exceed 160 square feet, which is the allowable space for a garden.

• Virginia Oyster Gardening Guide by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
• How to be an Oyster Gardener by Jackie Partin

STEP 2: Check the classification of the oyster garden waters (and keep up to date with changes)

You'll need this information to complete Step 3. It's important for oyster gardeners to be aware of the growing area classification of their garden to know whether or not they can harvest and eat their oysters safely. The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Shellfish Safety (DSS) monitors the water quality of all areas where shellfish are growing to ensure that harvesting only occurs from very clean water. Fun fact - the criteria for shellfish harvesting water are 14 times more strict than water open for swimming, crabbing, and fishing. Here's what you need to know:

• Safe Harvest - Growing Area Classification Fact Sheet what are growing area classifications and why are they important?
• Where can I find my growing area classification? Step-by-step instructions and how to interpret the results.
• How to be notified of a growing area classification change Condemnations change, so it's important to keep up to date. There's a simple way to register for notifications and the new oyster garden permit application includes automatic enrollment for notifications. 

STEP 3: Apply for a no-cost permit from the state

You have a plan, you know your growing area classification - now it's time to apply for a permit. It's simple, FREE, and all oyster gardening locations need one. Applications are submitted to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. This permit must be renewed every 5 years.

• *UPDATED VMRC Oyster Gardening no-cost permit you now have the option to submit via email.
• Visit VMRC Shellfish Aquaculture, Farming and Gardening for more information about the rules for oyster gardeners.

STEP 4: Start your garden

There are lots of resources for the how-to part, including the following fact sheets and links to experienced oyster gardeners.

• Best Management Practices for handling and consuming oysters from the garden
• Choosing Seed For the Garden
• Shellfish Health and Biosecurity
• Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA) VIMS has a long-standing partnership with TOGA. MAP staff provide science-based information and TOGA members provide the community outreach on oyster gardening fundamentals and environmental stewardship. Their website is a wealth of knowledge on gear choices, spat sellers, etc. Be sure to check out their events calendar for float sales and educational opportunities. 
• Captain Tom’s oyster floats another great place to get information and purchase gear and seed.
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation Oyster Gardening Program this program will provides gear and seed which you will grow and give back to be planted at a restoration site.
• Virginia Oyster Gardening Guide by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
• How to be an Oyster Gardener by Jackie Partin