Back to Blog Listing

We are wrapping up the 2019 season for oyster gardening in Mississippi and Alabama.

Pickups and plantings will begin in November, and thus far we have seen a heavy set and good survival of the spat. We anticipate a record number of oysters from our volunteer gardeners who have diligently cared for their oyster babies since early June.

We are always recruiting in both states, so if you have an interest in raising oysters for restoration, please contact us at [email protected].

New sites will be outfitted for the 2020 season during the winter and early spring as gear is completed. This is a hands-on opportunity to help restore local oyster reefs, learn a little about how oyster reefs work and you may even find your fishing improves while your oysters are in the baskets.

In about 45 minutes a week, you can keep the gardens clear of mud and algae while helping your oysters grow quickly. If you can pull up a crab trap, you can grow oysters in an oyster garden. Come join your neighbors and have a little fun!

Meet the author

P.J. Waters, Ph.D.

Associate Extension Professor

P.J. is an associate extension professor with Auburn University. He coordinates the Mobile Bay Oyster Gardening Program and its projects, as well as K-12 aquaculture/aquascience programs. PJ works... Read more

Catch the latest blogs!

The disCARD project: Modernizing data collection today to improve our fisheries for tomorrow

The goal of the project is to collect information about the numbers and species of discarded reef fishes across the U.S. Gulf of America using electronically submitted catch cards.

Amanda Jargowsky

Read more

Master Naturalists partner with Monarch Joint Venture to monitor butterflies

Master Naturalists on the coast have recently proposed a comprehensive monarch project that will combine education and outreach with hands-on training for growing native milkweed and nectar plants from seed for backyard and restoration plantings. 

Mandy Rigsby

Read more
Read more blogs