Oh What a Night – an Evening of Philosophy, Ideas and Microgreens!

The NMG team of Kate Melhuish, Mike and Sue DiStefano, and Mitch and Kim Swecker presented a workshop and make-and-take activity to share their knowledge of a nutrition and flavor powerhouse – Mighty Microgreens. The workshop was the perfect platform to demonstrate basic tenets of the NMG program:

• Educating the public about good gardening practices
• Teaching the public principles of growing their own healthy food
• Passing knowledge from “perennial” Master Gardeners to “tender perennials” and current class members to the           general public – basically, give someone a tomato and he enjoys it for one meal; teach that person to garden and he can grow all kinds of healthy food!

The premise of the workshop was simple and elegant – all you need to grow super nutritious food is a couple of yogurt cups, damp seed starter, a generous sprinkle of cinnamon (this is the fairy dust that helps keep fungus at bay), seeds, water and a sunny window! The commitment and passion of each of our members was contagious. At first, event attendees approached the table with a tentative curiosity not quite sure if they wanted to participate. The whole concept of microgreens was new to many and the idea of spending the rest of the evening with dirt under their fingernails made some hesitate. By the end of the evening our team’s enthusiasm prevailed and visitors were all in - elbow deep in seed starter, eager and hopeful that their first attempt in gardening would be a success. We sent them home armed with a mini greenhouse prepped and ready to go with all the tools and information they needed to successfully grow delicious and super nutritious microgreens even if they lived in an apartment with no garden.

The event was a big success. Hopefully our group will participate again next year and pass the baton to another team of fresh perennials and new class members. This was such a good opportunity to pass knowledge from team member to team member. Make sure you take advantage of these opportunities when they come up. There is no better way to hone your skills than working with those who have come before you.