We ask that that all new oyster gardeners attend one of our New Gardener Seminars in June before gardening their first year. The seminars will teach you how to maintain your oyster garden throughout the coming year. After the seminar you will receive spat-on-shell (baby oysters set on recycled shells) and two 18″ x 10″ cages to grow them in. We require a $25 fee for this system to offset program costs. Not sure whether or not oyster gardening is for you? Listen and learn for free and only pay if you decide to participate.

http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/programs-initiatives/virginia/oyster-restoration/oyster-gardening/hampton-roads-oyster-gardening-seminars-new-gardeners.html