Sentinel file photo
A participant chooses herbs at a July workshop sponsored by Community Partnerships and the United Way of Mifflin and Juniata.
STRODES MILLS — Rosie Massie has had a green thumb and a love of gardening for much of her life. She and her husband, John, love working in the garden at their Mattawana home.
“I was raised on an organic farm in Snyder County and my husband was raised on a farm in Virginia,” Massie said. “We’ve been gardening since we’ve been married — 46 years.”
A volunteer with Community Partnerships in Lewistown, Massie presents free Garden to Table workshops to those interested in gardening.
The next session, along with a produce share, is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 pm Tuesday at the Body & Soul Community Center in Strodes Mills. The event is sponsored by Community Partnerships and the United Way
of Mifflin-Juniata.
“We give some basic information at these workshops, but it’s a give and take,” she explained. “We have some experienced gardeners who come, and we learn from each other. It’s not real formal.”
Previous workshops have focused on getting a garden started, pollinator plants and pollinators, making jam, salsa and pesto sauce using fresh ingredients from gardens, and a field trip to the Massie’s garden.
Those who attend her workshops and receive her informational fliers will have a complete journal at year’s end.
The upcoming session focuses on planting fall crops that are easy to raise and harvest.
“You can enjoy produce from your garden into December,” Massie said.
And there will be tips about preparing gardens for winter, such as cover crops and other additions that help ensure a good garden next spring.
“We want to help people know how they can enrich their soil, decrease weeds and erosion, and enjoy gardening success,” she said.
Massie believes these programs benefit the community even outside of gardening.
“It connects the community when we get together,” she said. “You get to know your neighbor, and it makes the community a better place. Plus, we are sharing good information about gardening and its benefits.”
If gardeners have extra produce, they can bring it to share with others. Massie encourages those who have an interest in gardening to come and enjoy the evening and take some produce home.
To register or for more information, call (717) 899-6044 or e-mail [email protected].