Northwest Philadelphia residents attend a Seed Starting Workshop held on Friday, February 25, at the West Oak Lane Library. The workshop was a joint effort between Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation’s (OARC) Sustainability Department and Carson Valley Children’s Aid (CVCA).

The free community event featured a presentation by Ignatius “Iggy” Weekes, Breaking Ground Farm Horticulturalist/Farm Manager of CVCA, with topics including which plants can – and should not – be grown together, simple and safe ways to control pests, and providing the proper air, nutrients, and moisture that germinating seeds need. A discussion followed the presentation with guests sharing experiences of what has and has not worked in their own gardens. Following the discussion, the participants filled trays with potting mix and their choice of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Afterwards the guests went home with a wealth of information about growing and maintaining plants, along with cooking and craft-making suggestions.