Submitted by IU Health LaPorte Hospital
Even if you’ve never picked up a trowel, the “Can You Dig It? Community Gardening Event” is for you. Hosted by the Wellness Outreach Department of IU Health LaPorte Hospital, this May 28 event from 4 to 7 p.m. will feature local gardening expert Sacha Gee-Burns, owner of Sunkissed Organics.
Come to this free event on the hospital’s front lawn and attend 3 vegetable gardening workshops for beginners through seasoned gardeners. And you may go home with some prizes, too.
— The first session, Gardening 1.0, is from 4-4:45 p.m. and covers all you need to know to get started with a vegetable garden in your yard. The first 100 guests will receive complimentary tomato plants.
— The second session, Gardening 2.0, is from 5-5:45 p.m. and covers soil health, pH and supplements for better garden growth. Guests at this session can enter to win one of three wheelbarrows stuffed with gardening supplies.
— The last session, from 6-6:45 p.m., is open to everyone but may be of particular interest to seasoned gardeners. Guests will learn about insects, disease and sustainability. Drawings at this session include two $200 gift certificates to Sunkissed Organics, including a private gardening consultation with Gee-Burns at your home.
“I love to help people understand that growing your own vegetables is probably a lot easier than you thought, and it’s a great way to create a healthy activity with your family while saving you some money on summer produce as well,” Gee-Burns said.
Katie Sarver, manager of Wellness Outreach at the hospital, also owns and operates a small farm in LaPorte County and is passionate about helping the community understand the wonderful local resources. “We are a farming community, but those who live within city and town limits can still grow fruits and vegetables in our own yards. This is a great way to learn how to get started and make some friends in the process. Who knows? You may all end up trading delicious produce with your friends and neighbors all summer.”
Refreshments will be available throughout the event. Participants should park in the hospital’s main parking lot directly across from the post office. The event will take place rain or shine, with the exception of lightning. If bad weather is occurring, check the IU Health LaPorte Hospital Facebook page for an update on cancellations, or call 219.326.2048.