Greater Franklin County Food Council will be hosting a 21 week program with Stone Soup Gardens where new and experienced gardeners can learn from a master gardener and build friendships. Submitted photo

FARMINGTON — Greater Franklin County Food Council is working with LEAP [Life Enrichment Advancing People] Stone Soup Gardens to create a program for both new and seasoned gardeners to come together and learn some new tips and tricks for gardening.

The program called “Gather and Grow Community Garden Program” will begin on Monday, May 15, and continue until Oct. 2. During the 21 week program, GFCFC hopes to build a gardening learning community for people who want to learn how to grow food or meet new people and build friendships.

According to Ellie Sloane-Barton, Greater Franklin County Food Council coordinator, the idea initially came from LEAP. Darryl Wood, executive director at LEAP, confirmed this in a phone interview.

“I think what happened was we had a conversation with Erica Emery of Rustic Roots Farms,” Wood said. “We just said, ‘what a great idea it would be to take some of these plots to the next level, partner with the [GFCFC], include some assistance to what might be novice gardeners, and have some canning workshops.”

Stone Soup Gardens, which is located at 482 Farmington Falls Rd. in Farmington, is owned by LEAP. Wood also wanted to advise people who visit this property in and outside of the session that the land is privately owned and a private residence is at this location.

“We just ask people to respect that and stick to the garden areas,” he stated. “But in addition to gardens, there’s some recreational opportunities up there including trail system.”

Ten plots will be available and cohorts in the program will meet once a week on Monday with a master gardener for any questions they may have on gardening. According to Sloane-Barton, Rosemary Cummings of the GFCFC will facilitate the role of master gardener for the Monday sessions. GFCFC will also offer monthly workshops where gardeners will learn specific topics from agricultural specialists.

The first workshop will take place on the first day of the program, May 15, with Nick Rowley of UMaine Cooperative Extension in Franklin County.

The program will have tools, equipment and seeds provided for participates and have set the price for registration on a sliding scale of $5-$50. More may be accepted, which will be donated to GFCFC to allow them to continue with programs such as this in the future.

As for what you can grow, GFCFC will have several seeds available for people to plant and learn how to grow, cultivate and even use to prepare a meal. “In terms of seeds, we’re going to have cucumbers and root vegetables like carrots and beets. And green beans, peas, squash, onions,” Sloane-Barton said.

Sloane-Barton also said that participants are encouraged to bring seeds of their own and to even plant flowers in their plot.

Sloane-Barton also stated that there would be a dedicated person for childcare, who will also encourage the kids to get involved in gardening but will also engage them in other activities as well.

For more information on the Gather and Grow Community Garden Program and how to enroll, please contact Sloane-Barton at gffccoordinator@gmail.com or by phone at [207] 860-6346. Information can also be found at their website at www.greaterfranklinfoodcouncil.org.