Do-it-yourself gardening is a great way to wean yourself from the chemical-laden teat of big-food agribusiness. As the harvest season approaches, now is a great time to share your crops, swap your homegrown goodies with that of other green thumbs and learn gardening tricks. Volunteer at the University of Utah’s Edible Campus Gardens or trade the bounties of your garden with other urban farmers at the Rose Park Crop Swap. Later in the week, you can help out at Occupy SLC’s Community Reliance Garden.
Edible Campus Gardens
Volunteer Work Session
Thursday, Aug. 2
Volunteer your green thumb for a cause and learn some new organic-gardening tricks at the University of Utah’s Pioneer Garden. Volunteers can learn pointers
on organic gardening, help in the
community garden and also enjoy some garden treats (if available). The work sessions, facilitated by the Bennion Community Service Center, are open to students and community members—just remember to bring your own hat, gloves and work clothes. Pioneer Garden, 1450 E. 300 South, 801-585-9352, Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Sustainability.Utah.edu
Rose Park Crop Swap
Thursday, Aug. 2
If your garden is overflowing with heirloom tomatoes but you could use more peppers, or if your plots are overrun with cucumbers but the squash didn’t make it, why not bring your extra produce to the community crop swap? This community gathering is essentially like a farmers market, except you don’t buy veggies with cash but rather swap what you’ve got for what you want. Meet the green thumbs in your neighborhood and enjoy live music at the same time. Steenblik Park, 1050 W. 800 North, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Facebook.com/RPCropSwap
Community Reliance Garden
Tuesday, Aug. 7
Occupy a garden this summer and learn some truly grass-roots self-reliance at Occupy SLC’s community garden. Lend a hand and a hoe, if you’ve got one—or any other supplies—to help the garden out. Just remember, this guerrilla garden does not utilize any pesticides or non-organic fertilizers. Community Reliance Garden, 438 S. 900 West, Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., OccupySLC.org
