Happy New Year! 

Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing is excited to announce our 2017 farm & garden workshop line-up! We're hosting workshops at our Hunter Park GardenHouse and Allen Market Place. Please see below for workshop descriptions and details to register. Thanks for sharing with your networks!

Intro to Beekeeping

Saturday, January 14, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

This workshop will teach the basics of backyard beekeeping, equipment needed, and safety. Workshop led by MSU apiculture and pollination specialist professor, Walter Pett. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Who Licenses Your Food Business?

Friday, January 20, 1-3pm, [log in to unmask],-84.528569,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8822c1fe927da395:0xcd8f55879f95a0d6!8m2!3d42.7302387!4d-84.5263803" target="_blank">Allen Market Place, Free

Licensing of ready to eat and packaged food products can be tricky! You need to know how your product is categorized, who to get licensing from, and what steps you need to take.  Here to help are Amy Thomas from the Ingham County Health Department and Pam Weaver from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Register at: https://goo.gl/ck3hfQ

GroupGAP Informational Session

Friday, February 3, 1-3pm, [log in to unmask],-84.528569,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8822c1fe927da395:0xcd8f55879f95a0d6!8m2!3d42.7302387!4d-84.5263803" target="_blank">Allen Market Place, Free

Interested in becoming GAP certified? Learn more about the GroupGAP Program with an informational session led by Phil Britton of Cherry Capital Foods.  The program is geared towards small and mid sized farmers working as a group to learn and practice industry-recognized food safety practices. Register at https://goo.gl/to680y

Seed Starting and Transplanting (*please note date change!)

Saturday, February 4, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Learn helpful tips and tricks to grow successful vegetable plants from seed. Workshop led by Denae Friedheim of MSU Student Organic Farm. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Understanding Institutional and Wholesale Markets: Products and Pricing

Friday, February 10, 1-3pm, [log in to unmask],-84.528569,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8822c1fe927da395:0xcd8f55879f95a0d6!8m2!3d42.7302387!4d-84.5263803" target="_blank">Allen Market Place, Free

Institutional and wholesale markets can be a key component of a successful farm business. From farmers’ experiences and information about their sales, learn about which products are in demand from institutional and wholesale buyers and how to price them. Workshop coordinated by Colleen Matts, Farm to Institution Specialist with MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, with Erin Caudell, Hoophouse Outreach Specialist and Owner of Local Grocer & Flint Ingredient Company and other local farmers. Register at https://goo.gl/NrZ0el

Planning Your Garden Year

Saturday, February 11, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Plan the layout, crops, and planting schedule for your home garden. Workshop led by Rita O’Brien of Hunter Park GardenHouse. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney atgardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Developing a Farm Safety Plan

Friday, February 24, 1-3pm, [log in to unmask],-84.528569,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8822c1fe927da395:0xcd8f55879f95a0d6!8m2!3d42.7302387!4d-84.5263803" target="_blank">Allen Market Place, Free

Join us as farm food safety expert Phil Tocco, of MSU Extension, explains food safety concerns for farmers. Learn how to identify potential hazards and complete a meaningful food safety plan. Register at https://goo.gl/1BeMSY

Financial and Accounting for Food Businesses

Friday, March 3, 1-3pm, [log in to unmask],-84.528569,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8822c1fe927da395:0xcd8f55879f95a0d6!8m2!3d42.7302387!4d-84.5263803" target="_blank">Allen Market Place, Free

Designed with a focus on food businesses, this introductory session helps with the basics of financial management including simple accounting systems and how to apply the information from financial statements to help you manage your business.  Tips on what to keep track of, how to price your product, and what taxes you are responsible for will be covered. Cash flow analysis, breakeven points, and startup costs are also covered with specific food business examples. Workshop led by Tom Donaldson of LCC Small Business Development Center. Register at https://goo.gl/iSrYtl

Plant Therapy

Saturday, March 4, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Did you know plants can be used as a form of therapy? Learn more about which plants to use and incorporating them into your home garden. Workshop led by Lacey Ingrao of the Michigan Horticulture Therapy Association. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Soil Care

Saturday, March 18, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Create healthy soil for your backyard space or community garden. Workshop led by Brian Allnutt of Detroit Farmand Garden. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney atgardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Vermicomposting

Saturday, April 1, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Learn about vermicomposting and how to start your own outdoor worm composting bin at home. Workshop led by MSU graduate research assistant, Brooke Comer and MSU horticulture student, Mary Haven. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Gardening 101

Saturday, April 15, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Are you new to gardening? Learn the basics and skills to become a successful gardener. Workshop led by mom and daughter pair, Cindi McKenney and Leah Kate McKenney of Hunter Park GardenHouse. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.orgor 517-999-3913.

Container Gardening

Saturday, April 29, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Container gardening has become a popular form of flower, veggie and herb gardening and is ideal for people with little outdoors space or living in an urban setting. Workshop led by Leah Kate McKenney of Hunter Park GardenHouse. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney atgardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Plants and Their Pollinators

Saturday, May 13, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Need more productivity out of your garden? Learn more about which plants attract pollinators. Workshop led by former MSU perennial garden manager, Renata Reibitz. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Designing Garden Beds

Saturday, May 27, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Learn how to design beautiful garden beds at home. Workshop led by recent MSU horticulture graduate, Ryan Betzer. To RSVP click the following link Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney atgardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Organic Pest Management

Saturday, June 10, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat vegetable plant damage by common pests. Workshop led by Adam Ingrao of Bee Wise Farm. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney atgardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.

Flower Arranging

Saturday, July 8, 12:30-2pm, at [log in to unmask],-84.530428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x98ef6e0dd62e6c6f!8m2!3d42.728762!4d-84.530428" target="_blank">Hunter Park GardenHouse, $12 suggested donation.

Learn how to create a beautiful, cut-flower garden, and which flower varieties work best for bouquets. Make and take home your own bouquet. Workshop led by MSU perennial garden manager, Bethany Troy. To RSVP click the following link at Eventbrite. For more info, contact Leah Kate McKenney at gardeningeducator@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or 517-999-3913.