Gardeners of all ages and skill levels are invited to Garden Grow-How. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, gardening in a small space or a large yard, this hands-on event offers tips, activities and a chance to share gardening wisdom. The event will take place on Monday, March 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center.
We are collaborating with campus and community groups including the Penn State Community Garden, EcoReps, Student Farm Club, and other partners to host the Grow-How. This diverse team is working to ensure that the event has activities for everyone, including using food scraps as garden nourishment, how to save seeds, and at-home hydroponics.
Stations will also be family-friendly, with activities for kids including botanical crafts, an up-close look at soil health, recipe development with garden produce, and more.
“Many people don’t realize how easy it is to sustainably dispose of food waste at home, and that’s where we come in,” said Alexa Calvanese, member of EcoReps dining committee. “We’re here to educate students on how simple changes in your own home can have a big impact on the environment through sustainable gardening.”
There will be a variety of door prizes for all attendees and free succulents to take home for Penn State students. Prizes also include gardening books, garden supplies, and seedlings, which have been generously donated by New Society Publishing, Chelsea Green Publishing, Floret Farms, and the Ross Student Farm.
Sarah Landauer, an AmeriCorps member working with the Ross Student Farm, is leading students and partners to organize the event.
“This time of year is always so exciting because we get to start thinking about and planning for all the growth that is to come in the spring and summer,” said Landauer. “Garden Grow-How is a great kick-off event for the growing season and offers educational stations that are both beginner and expert friendly.”
Anyone interested in gardening, from both campus and the wider community are welcome. There will be several stations with activities and crafts geared especially toward kids. Paid parking is available to visitors in the HUB parking deck.
