Hello GreenThumb Gardeners!
The GreenThumb garden season has officially arrived! We kicked it off Saturday, March 25 at the 33rd annual GreenThumb GrowTogether Conference, with more than 1,500 gardeners, workshop leaders, greening partners, and volunteers. It was a great day, and we’re thankful that so many of you were able to join us in the Bronx.
It’s never too early to start planning ahead, so be sure to keep late March 2018 open as we prepare to celebrate GreenThumb’s 40th anniversary at the next GrowTogether! Start looking for those old photos and documents now, because we’ve got big things planned for the celebration to come.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon.
My best,
Bill LoSasso
Director, GreenThumb
News
GreenThumb Spring Supply Distribution
Saturday April 15 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pick up basic gardening and maintenance supplies for your registered GreenThumb community garden, including
WHEELBARROWS + GARBAGE BAGS + GLOVES + NOZZLES + WATER HOSES + SHOVELS + HOES + LONG HANDLED CULTIVATORS + SPRAY BOTTLES + TWINE + BAGGED DSNY COMPOST + PUSH BROOMS
- You must RSVP online or by calling our main line at (212) 602-5300 by April 12
- Let us know if another garden group is picking up on behalf of your group
- On-site pick-up only at the date and locations below
- One pick-up per garden group
- You can carpool with other garden groups that may not have access to transportation
Material support will only be available to garden groups without violations.
Pick-up by RSVP from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Walk-ins from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, for registered GreenThumb gardens only. Garden groups are strongly encouraged to pick up supplies in their borough.
BROOKLYN
New Vision Garden
590 Schenck Ave.
Train: 3 to New Lots Avenue
Bus: B15 to New Lots Avenue/Schenck Avenue, B6 to
Livonia Avenue/Ashford Street
BRONX
La Finca Del Sur/South Bronx Farmers Garden
175 E. 138th St. (corner of Grand Concourse)
Train: 4 or 5 to 138th Street/Grand Concourse
Bus: Bx1 or Bx33 to Grand Concourse/East
138th Street
MANHATTAN
Green Oasis Community Garden
382 E. 8th St. (between Ave. C and Ave. D)
Train: L to 1st Avenue, F to 2nd Avenue
Bus: M9/M8 to Avenue C/East 10th Street
MANHATTAN
Chenchitas Group Garden
1691 Madison Ave.
Train: 4 or 6 to 110th Street or 2/3 to Central Park
North/110th Street
Bus: M1 to Madison Avenue/East 111th Street
BROOKLYN
Hattie Carthan Community Garden
719 Marcy Ave.
Train: G to Bedford/Nostrand Avenue
Bus: B38 to Lafayette Avenue/Marcy Avenue, B44-SBS
to Bedford Avenue/Lafayette Avenue
If your GreenThumb garden group cannot attend our supply distribution in your respective borough, please pick up the garden supplies on Thursday, April 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the LIC Compound, Queens Plaza South and 10th Street (under the Queensboro Bridge).
Staten Island gardeners can pick up on Thursday April 27 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at:
Joe Holzka Community Garden
1170 Castleton Avenue
June is GreenThumb Garden Month
June will once again be GreenThumb Garden Month. We’re asking all of our gardens to plan free community events in the month of June to show neighborhoods across NYC the full benefit of being home to a GreenThumb garden. So, please chat a little at your first membership meeting of the year and show us what you’re capable of! We’re counting on you all to let us know about all of your events so that we can post them on our website.
Harvest Fair and Garden Recognition Awards
Save the date: The annual Harvest Fair will be held on Saturday, September 16th in Brooklyn, where we’ll be awarding ribbons to the winners of the annual Harvest Competition, and also celebrating the 2nd annual GreenThumb Garden Recognition Awards.
New York Restoration Project will be giving out native trees such as Tulip Poplar, Serviceberry, Black Tupelo and more! In order to receive a tree you must agree to plant it in one of the five boroughs in either your yard or community garden, and keep it properly watered and maintained. Giveaways are at multiple locations throughout the city.
Date/Time: Weekends, April 22- May 6, 2017
Grow to Learn Spring 2017 Workshop Registration
See the Grow to Learn Spring 2017 Workshop Calendar and registration. They have lots of topics for you to select, and will be adding to this form as the season goes on, check back regularly to the events calendar for more workshops from Grow to Learn and other partner organizations. You must register to attend any Grow to Learn workshop- fill out the information below to sign up for one or more workshops of your choice.
GrowNYC’s Project Farmhouse Open House
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join Grow NYC for a ribbon cutting ceremony, mini-workshops, cooking demos, a photo booth and more fun at GrowNYC’s new Center for Sustainability and Education, Project Farmhouse.
Location: GrowNYC’s Project Farmhouse, 76 East 13th Street, Manhattan
Cost: Free
Grants
Every Day Capacity Building Grants
National Environmental Education Foundation’s 2017 Every Day Capacity Building Grant provides Friends Groups with grants of up to $5,000 to help build their organizational capacity to serve public lands. Groups must have nonprofit status or be fiscally sponsored in order to apply.
Deadline: Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Greening Stem Grant for Educators
National Environmental Education Foundation’s 2017 Greening STEM Grant for Educators will fund programs that support the integration of Green STEM into place-based, hands-on learning experiences on a public land or waterway. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.
DEADLINE: Thursday, April 13, 2017
CRE Rising Fund Grants
The Community Resource Exchange’s CRE Rising Fund connects their expert consultants with small nonprofit to complete no-cost consulting engagements. These projects help the selected nonprofits further meet the needs of their target populations.
Deadline: Friday, April 28, 2017
Our Streets & Spaces Request For Proposals
The Fund for Public Health NYC, on behalf of the Building Healthy Communities initiative is currently accepting proposals for community based organizations and groups interested in activating their neighborhood’s streets and public places with healthy engagement. Eligible neighborhoods include: Morrisania, Mott Haven, Hunts Point,
East Harlem, and Brownsville.
Deadline: Monday, May 1, 2017
East Harlem Walks Request For Proposals
The Fund for Public Health NYC, on behalf of the Building Healthy Communities initiative is currently accepting proposals for community based organizations and groups interested in activating the East Harlem Community Walking Trail, a 3.5 mile pathway along East Harlem sidewalk that runs along 106th and 115th street.
Deadline: Monday, May 1, 2017
Walmart Community Grant Program
The Walmart Foundation offers a Community Grant Program awarding grants from $250 to $2,500. Through this program Walmart Associates support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations. Groups applying must hold nonprofit status, be a recognized government entity, or a faith-based organization.
Deadline: Rolling basis until Sunday December 31, 2017
Home Depot Community Impact Grant
The Home Depot Foundation offers grants up to $5,000 to 501C organizations that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community.
Deadline: Rolling basis until Sunday, December 31, 2017
Patagonia: Environmental Grants
Patagonia support small, grassroots, activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect our environment. Funding amount: $2,500 – $15,000
Deadline: April 30, 2017
Creativity Connects, National Endowment for the Arts Grants
Creativity Connects is an initiative that shows how the arts contribute to the nation’s creative ecosystem, investigates how support systems for the arts are changing, explores how the arts can connect with other sectors that want and utilize creativity, and invests in innovative projects to spark new, collaborative ideas. A key component of Creativity Connects is a grant opportunity in the Art Works category that supports collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships between the arts and non-arts sectors, specifically: Agriculture, Business and Economic Development, Science, Technology, Healthcare, Community, Education, Environment, Military, Transportation. Applicant Eligibility: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; or federally recognized tribal communities or tribes may apply. Funding amount: $20,000 – $100,000
Deadline: May 04, 2017
Captain Planet Foundation: Environmental Education Grants
The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to give the next generation of environmental stewards an active understanding and love for the natural world in which they live. The Captain Planet Foundation primarily makes grants to U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million. Funding range: $500 to $2,500.
Deadline: September 30, 2017
More Info: here.
Workshops
GreenThumb will now offer soil and lumber request forms at ALL workshops.
GreenThumb Workshop Survey
Do you have ideas for GreenThumb workshops? Would you like to host a workshop in your garden, share your skills by teaching other gardeners, or simply let us know which workshops you’d like us to offer? Let us know in this survey!
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Vertical Gardening 1: Living Walls
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
In this vertical gardening series, you will learn how to make your own living wall pouch to install on your garden fence, wall, or structure.
Location: East Side Outside Community Garden, 415 East 11th Street, Manhattan
Cost: Free
Please RSVP here.
Tomato Heaven
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Hard-to-find, heirloom, tomato, such as like Mortgage Lifter, Speckled Roman, and Green Doctors, are luscious little globes of food history. They’re also bursting with vitamins and minerals. Learn hands-on how to successfully start your own tomato plants from seeds
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
This hands-on class is free with RSVP. To reserve your spot, please email Maureen O’Brien at mobrien@bbg.org or call (718) 623-7385.
Friday, April 8, 2017
Gazebo Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Chestnut Street Community Garden
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Come join us at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gazebo built and donated by the Urban Workshop NYC students of the Lyons Community School. Recognize the efforts of these amazing high school students as we thank them for this gift and also open the 2017 garden season.
Location: Chestnut Street Garden, 9 Chestnut Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Hot Pile Compost Build
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Come meet our great master composters of the garden. Event hosted by the wonderful team at the Snug Harbor compost project. Come out and meet everyone and learn about composting.
Location: Joe Holzka Community Garden, 1170 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island
Cost: Free
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Easter Egg Hunt at Joe Holzka Garden
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Come out and join our first-ever Easter egg hunt!
Location: Joe Holzka Community Garden, 1170 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island
Cost: Free
Thursday, April 11, 2017
Organizing for Garden Success: Bylaws
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Disorganization creates dysfunction. In this workshop, we will discuss methods for developing bylaws and garden rules with your fellow garden members, so that your group has the tools needed for successful community building, governance, and decision-making.
Location: United Community Centers, 613 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Please RSVP here.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Ashford Learning Garden: Easter Egg Hunt
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Come and join us for arts and crafts and an opportunity to find eggs filled with candies or treats.
Location: Ashford Learning Center, 341 Ashford Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Thursday, April 18, 2017
Building SIPS in Raised Beds
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Learn how to build your own Sub-Irrigated Planting System (SIPS) in a raised bed. SIPS water forms below and allows plants to absorb moisture more efficiently, which saves water and helps plants build strong root systems.
Location: Chestnut Street Garden, 9 Chestnut Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Please RSVP here.
Hot, Hotter, Hottest: Growing Peppers
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Peppers are fiery, tasty, healthy, and beautiful. Learn to source, raise, and prepare some real scorchers—and a few sweeties and milds, so you can grow a chile fest in your own back yard!
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
This class is free with required pre-registration. Please regsiter here.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Earth Day of Action at Stars of Hope Garden
12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
This Earth Day, gather with your neighbors to help spruce up our community garden for the upcoming planting season. Neighbors will be lending a hand to repair garden boxes and compost bins, redesign front garden entrance, and prune trees and grape vine.
Location: Stars of Hope Community Garden, 213 Madison Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Harlem Grown Earth Day Celebration
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Harlem Grown is hosting a day of family-friendly activities and service projects to celebrate Earth Day and the unofficial kick off of the 2017 growing season! There will be free yoga, natural dye demonstrations, arts and crafts, storytelling for children, and garden service projects for adults throughout the day!
Location: Harlem Grown, 116 West 134th Street, Manhattan
Cost: Free
Earth Day Parade and Celebration at Rivers Run Community Garden
10:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join Rivers Run Community Garden as they celebrate Earth Day with a day of family fun. They are hosting this event with the Co-Op City Little League. The parade will start at 10:15 a.m. from the Greenway (at Bellamy Loop) to Rivers Run Community Garden and the Little League field. The celebration features a free composting workshop, recycling projects, arts and crafts, and free giveaways.
Location: Rivers Run Community Garden, 801 Co-op City Boulevard, Bronx
Cost: Free
Elizabeth Street Garden: Seed Bomb Workshop
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore what makes a healthy soil in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn about the soil-nutrient cycle and the role compost has in rebuilding soils and encouraging plant growth. Then, participants will make their own Native Wildflower Seed Bombs by combining seeds, clay, and locally-produced compost into small balls perfect for tossing anywhere that needs an extra burst of flowers!
Location: Elizabeth Street Garden, 203 Elizabeth Street, Manhattan
Cost: Free
Please RSVP here.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Building a Trellis in Your Garden
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Learn techniques for building a trellis for your crops. Supporting your plants can give them better access to sunlight, provide structural support, and help you plant a lot of crops in a small space.
Location: BACDYS Garden, 215 Forbell Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
Please RSVP here.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Aphids, Whiteflies and Slugs, Oh My! + Staten Island Spring Supply Distribution
5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Struggling with aphids, whiteflies, and other pests in your garden? Join us for an overview of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), focusing on simple, organic methods for dealing with pests in your garden.
Location: Joe Holzka Community Garden, 1170 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island
Cost: Free
Please RSVP here.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
GreenThumb Plant Starts Distribution: Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Get your veggie transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening. All supplies are for registered GreenThumb community gardens only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. On-site pick-up only. If picking up for more than one garden, you must RSVP by calling (212) 602-5300. There will also be a Square Foot Gardening demonstration from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: UCC Youth Farm, 613 Schenck Avenue, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
GreenThumb Plant Starts Distribution: Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening. All supplies are for registered GreenThumb community gardens only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. On-site pick-up only. If picking up for more than one garden, you must RSVP by calling (212) 602-5300. There will also be a Square Foot Gardening demonstration from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Melrose New Generation Community Garden, 377 East 160th Street, Bronx
Cost: Free
Highland Park Community Garden Opening Day
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled opening day at Highland Park’s community garden. Enjoy workshops, music, and games.
Location: Highland Park Children’s Garden (in Highland Park), 400 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
