Growing Matters Garden Program

Educational Programs

Summer Garden Workshops

During the summer we host a series of community workshops focusing on sustainable, organic gardening practices. These low cost, 1-2 hour workshops are a great way to get your hands dirty while learning about a variety of gardening topics. Workshops are held at the Growing Matters Garden main site, 2119 N. Westnedge, unless otherwise indicated. Scholarships are available- contact Erica for more information.

Master Composter Certification Training

Fair Food Matters and the Michigan State University Extension office will be offering another Master Composter Certification Training this year- stay tuned for details. This is a two day workshop that will introduce you to the rewards and satisfaction of creating natural immediately usable soil product from your grass clippings and other yard waste.

Previous Workshops Include:

• Master Composter Certification Training: September 30- October 1, 2011
• Introduction to Hydroponics: October 18, 2010
• Introduction to Hydroponics: September 16, 2010
• Introduction to Worm Composting: August 12, 2010

If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please contact the Garden Manager.

10-Week Summer Progam

During the summer, student groups from local youth development organizations visit our gardens for a 10-week garden educational program. At our gardens, students learn how to:

• grow fruits and vegetables from seed to harvest (using organic practices),
• better understand where their food comes from,
• eat fresh, sustainably grown food from the garden, and
• enjoy working, learning, and playing together outside!

If you work for a local non-profit, neighborhood association, school, church group, or other youth development organization and are interested in our 10-week summer program, please contact us for more information.

Programs at Woodward Elementary School

The Growing Matters Garden program provides year round garden support for Woodward Elementary teachers and staff. We help the school with garden planning, planting with classes, and summer garden maintenance.

One of our ongoing educational programs at Woodward is the after school group called Club Grub. Once a week, Kalamazoo College students plan and facilitate lessons and healthy snack making with second and third graders. Woodward students learn about where their food comes from and how to make healthier food choices.

From June to August each summer, we host a weekly volunteer night to keep the garden healthy and beautiful. Students, staff, neighbors, families, and any interested community members are welcome to join us for these events.