“Strawberries are easy,” noted Jean Taddie, Community Garden/Local Foods Program Coordinator of North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC). Just how easy is what participants of The Great Strawberry Swap will discover on Thursday, June 12.
The free program will include advice on growing strawberries successfully, dividing strawberries, a planting demonstration, and sharing strawberry plants as well as growing experiences and stories.
“We want to give everyone a chance to explore their favorite memory about strawberries, whether it’s growing them with grandma, or grandma’s jam, or even just eating a homegrown strawberry,” said Taddie.
“We’re going to plant some out here in one of the beds along the side of the building so that we can see that process and get our hands in the soil,” she said.
“Strawberries are a great way to get people excited about a garden,” said Taddie. “If they’ve never been in a garden before, then you can let them pick one and taste it and they’ll say, ‘Wow, that’s nothing like what I get from the grocery store.’ That can hook someone.”
The event is facilitated by Madonna Brock, NECIC summer VISTA member. Brock is known for starting the first community garden in Mansfield in 2008.
“She’s really been an example and a mentor to many others who’ve gotten started in the area,” said Taddie. “She does a great job of reaching out to the kids and youth and in an informal way inviting them to explore the possibilities. We’re very happy to have her.”
Taddie noted that Brock not only served as an inspector of organic farms but worked with Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA). Additionally, Brock has broad life experience, having served in the Peace Corps and even driving a tractor-trailer truck across the United States.
“She has volunteered with NECIC in the past, facilitating some food forums to discuss the aspects of our food system. We’re very happy to have her talking about strawberries on Thursday,” said Taddie.
Taddie said that anyone wishing to donate plants to the event may either bring them the night of the program or drop them at the NCEIC office on June 11 or June 12 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Great Strawberry Swap is free and open to the public. The event will be held from 6 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. at NECIC, 199 North Main Street, Mansfield. For more information, interested parties may contact Jean Taddie at 419-525-3101 or email her at Jean@necic-ohio.org.
