Growing food is a sacred, joyful, and essential act for sustenance and survival. The food we grow and eat connects us to the Earth and nourishes our communities. Everyone can learn to grow their own food. It is a natural yet revolutionary act that builds personal and community self-confidence and self-sufficiency. This weekend, veteran vegetable farmers and educators Ricky Baruc and Deb Habib inspire us to grow food everywhere, from windowsills and lawns, to schools and urban lots. Through hands-on experience, slides and stories, contemplative practice, and discussion, we learn skills and techniques to establish gardens that require minimal labor and energy, build rich soil, produce abundant, delicious food, and extend the growing season. Those new to gardening return home with enough knowledge and skill to grow their own food. Experienced gardeners learn new techniques to enrich their current gardens. Vegetable farmers Ricky Baruc and Deb Habib, EdD, are founders of Seeds of Solidarity, a visionary solar-powered farm and education center in Massachusetts that provides people of all ages with the inspiration and practical tools to use renewable energy and grow food in their own communities. They are also founders of the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival, one of the premier agricultural events of New England, which attracts 12,000 people each year and only produces 3 bags of trash. seedsofsolidarity.org |
