For those gardening in Flint or getting started growing their own fresh produce, edible flint is a great local resource.
Founded around nine years ago, edible flint has taken root and is growing in the community. The movement toward more local and urban farming has proven to be much more than a passing trend. While sustainability and fresh, nutritious foods are the outcome, the process of planning, planting and maintaining a garden is a fulfilling challenge that keeps new gardeners continuing to expand season after season.
In fact, edible flint classes and workshops are packed and full of energy – make sure that you arrive early! The Garden Talk kick-off event brought together people of all ages and gardening experience levels, some who have been a part of the program from the beginning and many new faces who had never been, and were interested in finding out what edible flint has to offer. Overheard in the lively room was the back-and-forth chatter about garden plans and improvements for this spring. Whether it’s what seeds to plant or how to get support to address the struggles they had last year, the classes are a great place to talk with other local growers and to learn from each other.
The Garden Talks offer participants the chance to learn about the variety of local organizations that can help with their gardens; from edible flint’s own extensive resources to MSU Extension; information on Genesee County Land Bank, which has lots available for residents to farm; the Neighborhood Engagement Hub, which offers a free Community Tool Shed open April through November (to make a reservation, contact Hurb Pitts at 810.620.1299). If you are committed to growing your own produce, there are resources to help.
These are programs and resources that residents might not get connected with, without edible flint’s classes and workshops. The Garden Talk also has a lecture portion covering changing topics such as “Healthy Soil, Healthy Food” to highlight and educate about the importance of planting in healthy soil, as well as how to improve the condition of your garden soil. Edible flint offers soil testing and education on proper composting methods. The classes and hands-on workshops are a place for gardeners to find support, have questions answered, and find resources.
For edible flint, the beginning of spring signals the exciting start of the growing season. The joint group offers courses throughout the year, with the hands-on workshops beginning April 5. Many new and returning local gardeners take part in edible flint’s Garden Starter Kits (which often sell out!) that can be picked up at the Annual Distribution Day event in May. The edible flint Garden Starter Vegetable Kits each contain 40 different transplants (ten veggie varieties and 19 varieties of organic seed packets) along with informational materials. Each spring, edible flint also offers many additional services to support local growers including low-cost soil tests, compost delivery and tilling services for Flint residents.
For more information visit: edibleflint.org
Photography by Jennifer Hodney
