Hello all! This is Rosie over at Build It Up in Johnson City, Tennessee where we are entering our 7th season in partnership with Grow Appalachia. Just this week, we had our first official workshop covering introductions and what this season with BIU will include. There were many new faces and some familiar faces, but all with the same level of excitement for what’s to come. We also started planning gardens by having everyone sketch out their garden and their space. 

Many of our participants this year are interested in just learning the basics of keeping a garden successful throughout an entire year. Many have had issues in the past with their veggies and herbs dying or turning yellow. Other special interests include: canning and other preservation methods, season extension and learning about how to increase soil health. 

At our first session of the week, we had 15 participants along with 7 children come to learn. We anticipate many more to come to our Thursday session. Along with our workshops, we have also launched our Build It Up newsletter for the month of March. Check it out if you want to learn some cool early season tips and tricks! https://mailchi.mp/3310cadfcb6b/march-newsletter

We are looking forward to the season that’s ahead!