SFC's Grow Local program offers the resources and education to enable children and adults in Central Texas to develop skills in food production and organic gardening as well as an understanding of the importance of local food production for the health and well-being of themselves, their families and community, and the environment.

 Registration for Citizen Gardener season spring 2013 is full. Our next class will be offered in fall 2013 starting in August!

Started in fall 2008 by Dick Pierce and Brandi Clark Burton, the Citizen Gardener series has proven to be a successful model for empowering individuals to grow their own food as well as inspiring them to share this knowledge with others. Currently coordinated by SFC, Citizen Gardener is a ten-hour course, divided into 3 sessions, that provides hands-on organic gardening instruction. Citizen Gardener series are held in January-March and August-October, and cover essential knowledge for growing food in Central Texas, including the basics of constructing raised beds, composting, and rainwater collection.

Upon completion of the series, students complete ten hours of volunteer service at local gardens and farms, both to enhance their knowledge and to employ their new skills to benefit the community. After completing both components, participants celebrate their graduation as Citizen Gardeners at a local food potluck that closes each planting season. Graduates are encouraged to continue to serve as ambassadors for growing your own food in our community.

 

Took a Citizen Gardener Class?      

Volunteering is a central component to the Citizen Gardener curriculum and the mission of Sustainable Food Center. After the completion of the class, students must complete 10 hours of volunteer work employing their new gardening skills at one of our various partner gardens. Partner gardens are organizations such as community or school gardens, farms, and other gardening collectives.

To get started volunteering, visit the list of partner gardens, at this link.

If you are interested in becoming a partner garden, you may fill out this form.

Submit volunteer hours via this form and keep track of your hours via this shared googledoc.

Please join our Facebook page to stay in the loop about Citizen Gardener events, volunteer opportunities, and to connect with all current and past Citizen Gardeners.

 Questions? Contact Vanessa Toro by email, vanessa@sustainablefoodcenter.org or phone, 512-236-0074 x 105