Economy, food safety, sustainability, living "green", eating local....these are issues on the minds of many people nowadays. For these and other reasons, many people are deciding to take an active role in their food supply by growing at least some of their own food. A vegetable garden is where a lot of folks choose to start, but many don't know where to begin.
Laurie Flynn, a native Floridian and organic vegetable grower,wants to help people achieve this goal by offering vegetable gardening workshops at Broken Oak Farm, her home in Fellsmere. The 3-part course will help those brand new to gardening, transplanted northern gardeners trying to adjust to our Florida climate and soil, as well as those who wish to learn more about growing organically.
The timing of the classes coincides with the start of our local season, however, a person can begin their gardening venture any time of the year if he/she knows what to do and when to do it.
As stated earlier, this is a three-part course, and participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to gain the maximum benefit. Topics will range from seed-sourcing and locating the garden through planting techniques, pest control, crop rotation, and harvest. There will be a definite slant toward organic methods, especially focusing on soil, but those who choose conventional practices will not feel left out. This is truly a course for all who wish to grow food at home.
Classes are expected to last from 2 to 2 1/2 hours each. Participants will take home vegetable plants, seeds, and informative literature. Some time will be spent in "lecture mode", so bring note paper. Hands-on activities will also take place in the growing areas, allowing students to get a little earthy.
Two time slots are offered for each session. The schedule is as follows:
Class #1 Sept. 19th at 9:30 or 1:00
Class #2 Oct. 3rd at 9:30 or 1:00
Class #3 Oct. 17th at 9:30 or 1:00
The cost is $15 for each session or $40 for all three.
Please call (772) 571-8686 to reserve a spot, as class size is limited.
Broken Oak Farm is located at 13575 83rd St. in Fellsmere.
Mrs. Flynn plans to hold classes on raising and keeping chickens, butchering poultry,canning, and "Stay-at-Home Economics" in the future.