1. home and garden

Keep Growing Detroit Presents:
The Urban Garden
Education Series
Summer 2015
GARDENING BASICS
COMPOSTING: For Home and Farm Use
Monday May 11th, 6-8PM at North Cass Community Garden at 4143 Second at Willis Did you know that you can turn your
trash into treasure? Composting is nature’s way of recycling; it breaks down food waste, manure, leaves and grass trimmings turning
them into valuable organic fertilizer which is the foundation for healthy plants. In this class we will take the intimidation out of
composting by showing you how to create an easy to use non-stinky compost system.
WATERING WISELY: Irrigation and Watering Systems
Thursday May 28th 6-8PM at the Plum St. Market Garden, 2202 Third St. by the MGM Grand
Casino Parking Garage Spring often provides lots of water to get our gardens started but how do
we keep our plants happily watered the rest of the season? There are many types of irrigation and
watering systems that can help with this process. In this class learn about different types of drip and
overhead irrigation systems, the pros and cons of each, and what makes sense for your site.
GET READY TO GARDEN: Basic Gardening
Saturday June 6th, 1-3PM at the Adams Butzel Center, 10500 Lyndon west of Wyoming For
the beginner, starting a garden can be a challenge, but with some basic skills a productive and
viable garden is no sweat. In this class you will learn how to select a site and prepare for your
garden, when to plant seeds and transplants, and much more!
MANAGING GARDEN PESTS AND WEEDS
Thursday June 25th, 6-8PM at Gloryland Garden at Gesu Church 17180 Oak Dr. north of
McNichols on the east side of Livernois Why are there holes in the leaves of my eggplant? How do
I keep these weeds in check? Every garden faces the challenging issues of pests and weeds that can range from tiny flea beetles
eating holes in collard leaves to quack grass choking out your carrots. Solutions to these pests can be harmonious, affordable and
chemical-free. Come join us as we learn about natural pest and weed prevention.
RAISED BEDS AND RAIN CATCHMENT
LOCATION: Raised bed and rain catchment classes will be hosted at the Plum Street Market Garden, 2202 Third Street
at Plum St south of I-75 near the MGM Grand Casino parking structure. See below for details
RAISED BEDS WORKSHOPS: Building and Adding Features including Trellises, Hoops, etc.
Offered Tuesday April 21st OR May 19th 6-8PM Raised beds are a useful tool for gardeners working on a difficult site,
wanting to increase accessibility or for areas where a contained growing space is desired. These sessions will cover the pros and
cons of using raised beds, provide a demonstration for how to build them and explore ideas for adding features such as trellis
poles or hoops for season extension. These will also be distribution days for eligible community and school gardens. For more
information on eligibility for raised beds please call 313-757-2635.
RAIN CUBES (275 Gallon Tanks): Building and Using
Tuesday May 12th, 6-8PM Learn how to build, maintain and use rain cubes at this session. A limited amount of rain cubes will be
avalable for eligible community and school gardens. For more information on eligibility for rain cubes, please call 313-757-2635.
RAINBARRELS (55 Gallon Barrels): Building and Using
Tuesday June 30th, 6-8PM Learn how to build, maintain and use rainbarrels at this session. A limited amount of rainbarrels will
be avalable for eligible community and school gardens. For more information on eligibility for rain cubes, please call 313-757-2635.
Urban Garden Education Series classes feature skills and techniques for growing, preserving, selling, and
eating healthy vegetables from the garden. Classes are coordinated by Keep Growing Detroit. For more
information call 313-757-2635, email [email protected], or visit detroitagriculture.net. Class fees
are $3 for GRP participants and $5 for non-GRP participants.
BEEKEEPING
SWEET BEGINNINGS: Introduction to Beekeeping
Saturday April 25th, 10AM-1PM at Georgia Street Community Center, 8902 Vinton north of Harper west of Gratiot
Learn what it takes to start, maintain, harvest, and care for a beehive in this sweet introduction to the world of beekeeping.
This interesting and profitable skill also introduces pollinators to your garden, helping to improve the overall health and
yields of your plants.
FORAGING WILD FOODS AND HERBS
HERBS
Saturday July 11th, 1-3PM at Rising Pheasant Farm, 5228 Moran St. south of I-94 west of Mt Elliot. Did you know
that some plants which are considered pesky weeds could actually be tasty additions to meals and even
boost your health? Edible and medicinal weeds are growing in your yard right now. Take a foraging walk
us and discover the hidden treasures of common weeds. Learn how to identify these helpful plants and
rediscover what nature has to offer!
UNIQUE PERENNIAL HERBS PROPAGATION: Seeds, Cuttings, Transplants and More!
Thursday August 13th, 6-8PM at the Plum Street Market Garden, 2202 Third Street at Plum St south of
I-75 near the MGM Grand Casino parking structure. There are many varieties, shapes and sizes of perennial
herbs that we can grow here in Detroit. In this class we will explore how to grow and use some unique varieties
including: valerian, hyssop, hops and more. Seeds and plant starts will be available for participants.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FOCUS
STRAWBERRIES: Cultivation Tips and Plant Distribution
Tuesday June 2nd, 6-8PM at the Plum Street Market Garden, 2202 Third Street at Plum St south of
I-75 near the MGM Grand Casino parking structure. At this session learn the skills to grow, propagate and
care for strawberries. Plants will be available for participants.
SWEET POTATOES: Cultivation Tips and Plant Distribution
Tuesday June 16th, 6-8PM at the Plum Street Market Garden, 2202 Third Street at Plum St south of
I-75 near the MGM Grand Casino parking structure. At this session learn the skills to grow, propagate and
care for sweet potatoes. Plants will be available for participants.
RADICAL ROOTS: Growing Great Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Turnips, Parsnips and More!
Saturday June 20th, 1-3PM at Feedom Freedom Farm, 866 Manistique south of Jefferson west of Alter. Do you have challenges growing root crops? Want to know how to grow them bigger and tastier? Dealing with pest and disease issues? In this class
Professor John Biernbaum will share tips and techniques to grow GREAT roots.
RSVP only! FARM TOUR: BLUEBERRY PICKING
Saturday July 25th, 9AM-2PM Meet at the Keep Growing Detroit Office, 76 E. Forest St. Blueberry picking is a super fun
way to spend a Saturday afternoon. In the company of fellow gardeners we will pick our share of delicious berries (and eat
a few too!) as we walk the rows of beautiful bushes on summer afternoon. The tour is $5 for GRP members and you pay for
what you pick (pricing available closer to event). RSVP with Kido at 313-757-2635
COOKING AND FOOD PRESERVATION CLASSES
TASTE OF SUMMER: Barbecuing Vegetables
Monday June 1st, 6-8PM at the Grill King’s Garden, 19645 Hanna north of 7 Mile east of I-75 Take the summer
tradition of BBQ to a new level .... with vegetables! The many wonderful flavors that are created by the grill go great with fresh
summer produce. Imagine grilling eggplant, summer squash, sweet potatoes, romaine lettuce and watermelon! It’s
delicious! Join us for this BBQ extravaganza where we will share tips and techniques and of course tastings!
EAT WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN WHAT YOU CAN’T: Hot Water Canning with Anika Grose from Detroit Sweets
Thursday July 30th, 6-8PM at the Eastern Market Community Kitchen, 2934 Russell in Shed 5. When you know how
to properly can your harvest, you don’t have to let a single ripe fruit or veggie go to waste! You can enjoy your
home-grown produce year round with this useful skill. Anika Grose of Detroit’s Sweets will teach safe and easy hot water
canning methods that you can use in your own home.