Transition Longfellow: Chard Your Yard and Veggie Basics classes herald spring

For the past several years, Transition Longfellow (a community-led group focused on building sustainable communities to address climate change) has partnered with the Longfellow Community Council and Hennepin County Master Gardeners to offer two exciting programs.

Veggie Basics

Led by Hennepin County Master Gardeners, a 4-session Veggie Basics class provides all the information you need to know to start (or fine-tune) your vegetable garden. Topics include Starting Your Garden, Planting Your Garden, Designing Your Garden, and Maintaining Your Garden. Classes are on Saturdays, Apr. 13-May 4, from 10-11:30am at Gandhi Mahal Restaurant community room, 3009 27th Ave. S. The cost for each class if $10, and registration is required. Please visit www.transitionlongfellow.org/veggie-growing-basics-class to sign up.

Chard Your Yard

Transition Longfellow has helped build and install over 200 raised bed vegetable gardens in the yards of neighbors. This year the group will install another 24 raised bed gardens (with priority is given to those in 55406 but others may apply). Renters can also apply but must have a written note from the landlord. The 3’x5’x12” treated pine frame with soil, delivered and installed, costs $74. A master gardener will visit your site to help you find the perfect spot.

The Longfellow Community Council has generously underwritten the cost of a limited number of garden beds for low-income persons and senior citizens ($37), and double-high beds for persons with disabilities ($74) for residents of Longfellow, Cooper, Howe, and Hiawatha neighborhoods.

This program is entirely volunteer-based, and we need your help! This is a great way to meet neighbors and learn more about Transition Longfellow. We will be building and installing the beds Wed., May 1 between 5-9pm and filling them Sat., May 4 from 8am-4pm (attendance for entire shifts not required). Please visit www.transitionlongfellow.org/chard-your-yard for further information and to sign up to receive a bed or volunteer.