Think Spring With ‘Gardening In Syracuse’ Program

(Syracuse, NY) Are you tired of the Central New York winter already? Do you wish that you could dig your hands into some rich, warm soil and get your garden started? Well, we can’t do anything about the weather, but “Gardening In Syracuse” should get you excited, informed and ready for the upcoming gardening season. Canopy and Syracuse Grows are pleased to present “Gardening in Syracuse,” on Saturday, February 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bob Cecile Center, 1st floor, 174 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse (across from Meacham Field).

This program is free and open to the public.

There will be three workshop sessions:
From 10 – 11 a.m., Dr. Norm Richards will kick off the program with a presentation entitled “Managing the Physical Conditions of Soil for Gardening in Syracuse”; from 11 a.m. to noon, Syracuse Grows founder Jonnell Robinson will talk about “The Dirt on Your Dirt: Soil Toxicity & the Health Risks of Gardening in Contaminated Soil”; and finally, beginning at noon, there will be a panel discussion entitled “Successful Vegetable Gardening in Syracuse,” featuring Mable Wilson from the Newell St. community garden in Syracuse, John Allen of Habitat Gardening in Central New York, and Dick de Graff from Grindstone Farm.

Refreshments will be provided. There will also be tables of information on local community gardens, park associations, and other garden-related organizations.

More about the workshops:
“Managing the Physical Conditions of Soil for Gardening in Syracuse” – 10 a.m.
Norm Richards, retired professor in forestry at SUNY-ESF and a long-time home gardener in Syracuse, will present a ‘dirty hands’ lecture-demonstration focusing on recognizing soil texture and structure, and discussing their management for gardening in Syracuse. This will include functions of added organic matter, tilling vs. spading, “Don’t tread on me,” and the values of modestly raised beds.

“The Dirt on Your Dirt: Soil Toxicity & the Health Risks of Gardening in Contaminated Soil” – 11 a.m.
Before you plant a garden, it¹s important to know about toxic chemicals that may have contaminated your soil, and how they can affect your plants and your health. Jonnell Robinson will review the health risks associated with common toxins, how to obtain reliable soil testing, and how to make sense of your soil test results. Methods to reduce toxins in contaminated soil and ways to enjoy a plentiful bounty in spite of contaminated soil will also be discussed.

“Successful Vegetable Gardening in Syracuse” – 12 noon
This panel discussion featuring Mable Wilson, John Allen, and Dick de Graff from Grindstone Farm will provide new and experienced gardeners with information about what vegetables grow well in Syracuse. Hear veteran vegetable growers discuss the benefits and challenges of different plants and learn tips on how to reap a bountiful harvest.

Syracuse Grows is a grassroots network cultivating a just foodscape in the City of Syracuse. Syracuse Grows provides coordination, programming, education, and resources to support equitable local food production, distribution and consumption through community gardening and urban agriculture.

Canopy is a 501(c)(3) coalition of Syracuse parks associations, community garden groups and greenspace advocates. Come to the meeting to network, share and learn.

Contact Carol Simson at 558-4918 if you would like more information about this event.

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One Comment on "Think Spring With ‘Gardening In Syracuse’ Program"

Brian Darby on Fri, 12th Feb 2010 5:25 am

I am interested in getting my soil tested and finding out where a good source for rock dust is locally. Thank you.

Think Spring With ‘Gardening In Syracuse’ Program

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