Gardening isn't the most expensive hobby out there, but...well, it ain't cheap, either. If you're a community gardener, you know that just the basics (plants, seeds, compost) can run you some dough.
Luckily, there are quite a few grants floating out there for community gardens, including Fiskar's Project Orange Thumb grant. (The orange is in reference to the company's logo, as well as its iconic orange-handled scissors.) Established in 2002, it has already given out more than a million dollars to 140 community gardeners all over the U.S. and Canada. Every year, they pick 11 recipients: 10 receive $5,000 in money and tools, and one gets a full "Project Orange Thumb" makeover. That means a crew of community volunteers shows up and spends 24 hours turning an empty lot into a fully functioning community garden. (They have done 14 of these so far.)
The granting period is now open, and runs through December 15. Interested gardeners can apply at www.fiskars.com/projectorangethumb. If you are just a lone gardener, and not eligible for a community garden grant, Fiskars also maintains an archive of articles and videos geared towards gardeners of all skill levels.