Green Thumb Workshops

  Are you interested in gardening, have a plot at a VINES community garden, or just want to learn about growing food in a small space?  Join our Youth Program Manager Hope Townsend as she walks us through gardening essentials, including: Spacing Garden design Sun/shade exposure When and where to plant certain crops Managing pests […]

Learn how to protect your garden from pests and diseases without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.  VINES' Community Garden Program Manager Christina Zawerucha will use interactive games and story telling to introduce the basics of organic pest and disease management for urban gardeners. Explore: Plant selection, nutrition and placement for pest prevention Basic […]

Join VINES at the Ross Park Zoo (or online) as Linda Svoboda of Cornell Cooperative Extension introduces us to the world of beneficial insects.  From pollinators to predators, from decomposers to beneficial parasites, learn how to identify and support our insect allies! This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  Must pay Zoo admission […]

Are you interested in gardening, have a plot at a VINES community garden, or just want to learn about growing food in a small space? Come to this workshop and learn the basics for planning your garden. We will discuss spacing, design, sun/shade exposure, when and where to plant certain crops, managing pests, caring for […]

Are you interested in gardening, have a plot at a VINES community garden, or just want to learn about growing food in a small space? Come to this workshop and learn the basics for planning your garden. We will discuss spacing, design, sun/shade exposure, when and where to plant certain crops, managing pests, caring for […]

Learn to identify some common diseases of food crops and some management strategies for each. This class will be lead by Horticulture Educator Linda Svoboda of Cornell Cooperative Extension. This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.

This will be a class lead by members of the American Civic Association, BC Health Dept. and VINES, to provide a basic overview of lead contamination in soil and safe gardening practices. We'll also have a demonstration of Square Foot Gardening in a Raised Bed, to help show how easy it can be to grow […]

You can easily add 2 weeks to the start and end of the growing season by the use of low tunnels, frost blankets and learning what crops can be grown in the early spring and late fall in our area. By Master Gardener, Jim Dunn   This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  […]

Want to grow bunches of tomatoes, eggplants, onions and other plants that take a little time to get started? Seed starting is a cost effective way to grow the varieties of plants in the quantities you need. By starting your own seedlings, you can have healthy, vibrant plants that are ready to go into the […]

Master Gardeners Karen Anderson, Sarah Hodder and Karen McKenzie will present:  The Importance of Going Native Learn how important native plant species are for the ecology of our land, from the farm to the small urban landscape.  Learn about native alternatives to some of the most widely used ornamental landscaping plants now considered to be invasive […]

Pigweed, crabgrass, and purslane – Oh My! Would you like to learn how to tell ground ivy and garlic mustard apart and how to manage both? In this two-part series, participants will receive a primer on weed identification and management. Particular focus will be on weed control options for gardens, raised beds, and urban gardens. […]

Composting is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive vegetable garden. Learn to create systems of composting and what materials to incorporate from your household. Master Composter Josh Enderle will explain how to develop a system specifically for the purpose of enhancing soil health for your garden. Participants will leave with the knowledge of how to […]

Pigweed, crabgrass, and purslane – Oh My! Would you like to learn how to tell ground ivy and garlic mustard apart and how to manage both? In this two-part series, participants will receive a primer on weed identification and management. Particular focus will be on weed control options for gardens, raised beds, and urban gardens. […]

Join GrowBing/Build-A-Garden Manager Tshijuka Nelson and Community Garden Manager Johan Jelsma in a fun interactive workshop focused on growing plants in containers.  This workshop will cover container gardening basics, including: -The Benefits of Growing in Containers and Grow Bags -Choosing the right container and spacing for your plants -Plant selection and placement throughout the seasons […]

This workshop will be an exploration of plant-based brunch dishes presented by our very own Amelia LoDolce. We will discuss a variety of proteins, including (but not limited to) tofu and tempeh, and also egg substitutes. The workshop will culminate with the demonstration of and practice with plant-based protein preparations and egg substitution, highlighted in […]

Do you like bees?! Interested in keeping a hive at your home? Come learn all the basics onsite at the Urban Farm from Ken Lord, our resident bee keeper. We'll discuss everything one needs to start their own bee dwelling, whether in the country or an urban environment.   This workshop is FREE and open […]

We all are part of a watershed and should do our part to protect our water bodies. Learn some easy and affordable landscaping practices to help control stormwater runoff and add beauty and value to your yard. Raingardens and rainwater collection basics included.   This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  A suggested […]

In this workshop, you will learn the recipes and methods for making traditional Ghanaian goat light soup and fufu. You will also learn about Ghanaian history, culture, and music from our incredible facilitator, Afua Baidoo-Davis, and her family. Together, we will explore how food and cooking can bridge cultures and geographies and how “comfort food” brings us home. (This […]

Herbs have many uses - in the kitchen, in the medicine chest, and as magnets for beneficial insects.  Master Gardener and herb enthusiast Elaine Gregory will talk about growing, harvesting and preserving this under appreciated and under utilized group of plants.   This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  A suggested donation of […]

Live in an apartment or home that has limited outdoor space? Learn how to compost indoors year-round with worms. Vermicomposting is a method of composting using earthworms, specifically red wigglers, to process fruit and vegetable scraps into a nutrient-rich compost. All that is required is a plastic storage container, shredded paper, worms, and food scraps […]

Come join us for a fun, fresh, and easy to make recipe with your household. VINES staff member and trained chef, Jamie Kirby, will instruct on basic techniques to have your children help out with meal preparation. Meal specifics to be determined. This will be fun and informative for the whole family, so sign up […]

Cucumbers are great, but who doesn’t love the salty, tangy snap of a pickle? This preservation workshop will help teach you how to properly, and safely, prepare your cucumbers for pickling so you can prolong your abundant harvest by pickling! Join us, as Ann Supa from CCE shows us the fundamentals of making pickles and […]

Learn to make something out of your ordinary! Miki Nishikawa will show us a simple and delicious Japanese influenced meal to make at home. Meal specifics to be determined. Sign up quick, space is limited. This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.

Interested in fiber arts or hand dyeing items yourself? Join us for this informative workshop on Natural Dyes, where Marion Irwin will teach us how to make dyes out of plants. This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.

Follow this thread... The flax you'll help with retting was grown at the Binghamton Urban Farm. You will learn the basics of what it takes to make linen as you 'spin the yarn' with Marion Irwin and other fiber enthusiasts.     This workshop is FREE and open to the public.  A suggested donation of […]

Learn how to add smoky flavor and aroma to vegetables without having expensive or complicated equipment. In this workshop, you will learn how to cold smoke vegetables using a charcoal grill, a cardboard box, and a few household items and discuss other smoking methods and techniques.   This workshop is FREE and open to the […]

One of our most versatile culinary staples, garlic is easy to grow, and in great quantity. There are a couple of necessary things to learn and do in order to get a good crop, including planting in the fall. Come learn the basics from our Urban Farm Manager, Cynthia how you can grow an abundance […]

In this hands on workshop/workday, we will learn techniques for applying a final coat of plaster to the interior walls of our office building, led by our esteemed architect, Laura Intscher. The event will be at the construction site of our new office building at the corner of Fayette & Susquehanna Streets on Sunday, February […]

Are you interested in gardening, have a plot at a VINES community garden, or just want to learn about growing food in a small space? Come to this workshop and learn the basics for planning your garden. We will discuss spacing, design, sun/shade exposure, when and where to plant certain crops, managing pests, caring for […]

Are you interested in gardening, have a plot at a VINES community garden, or just want to learn about growing food in a small space? Come to this workshop and learn the basics for planning your garden. We will discuss spacing, design, sun/shade exposure, when and where to plant certain crops, managing pests, caring for […]

Join us for a fun interactive workshop focused on growing plants in containers and grow bags.  This in-person workshop will cover container gardening basics, including: The Benefits of Growing in Containers and Grow Bags Choosing the right container and spacing for your plants Plant selection and placement throughout the seasons Appropriate watering, fertilizing and container […]

Want to grow bunches of tomatoes, eggplants, onions and other plants that take a little time to get started? Seed starting is a cost effective way to grow the varieties of plants in the quantities you need. By starting your own seedlings, you can have healthy, vibrant plants that are ready to go into the […]

Saturday, April 6th 1:00 to 3 p.m. CCE Ag. Development Center Cutler Botanic Garden Grounds This will be both a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on experience. In coordination with Cornell Cooperative Extension, work with Master Gardeners in the Cutler Botanical Garden learning proper techniques pruning trees and shrubs. Learn how, why and when to prune, proper […]

Join us for a fun interactive workshop focused on growing plants in containers and grow bags.  This in-person workshop will cover container gardening basics, including: The Benefits of Growing in Containers and Grow Bags Choosing the right container and spacing for your plants Plant selection and placement throughout the seasons Appropriate watering, fertilizing and container […]

Pigweed, crabgrass, and purslane – Oh My! Would you like to learn how to tell ground ivy and garlic mustard apart and how to manage both? In this workshop series, participants will receive a primer on weed identification and management. They will be taught some of the fundamental biology used in weed science, receive an […]

A day to plant trees. A day to honor the memory of two incredible community members, Dick Andrus and Jane Stuart-Andrus. A day to continue to beautify the community space that is being established where they once gardened. All are invited: Wednesday 4/17/2024 @ 5pm at 29 Corbett Avenue Binghamton.

Saturday, April 20th 1 to 3:00 p.m. CCE Ag. Development Center Cutler Botanic Garden grounds You can easily add 2 weeks to the start and end of the growing season by the use of low tunnels, frost blankets with supports. Construct you own 4 ft. low tunnel hoops and learn tips and techniques from Master […]

Are you interested in gardening, have a plot at a VINES community garden, or just want to learn about growing food in a small space? Come to this workshop and learn the basics for planning your garden. We will discuss spacing, design, sun/shade exposure, when and where to plant certain crops, managing pests, caring for […]

Pigweed, crabgrass, and purslane – Oh My! Would you like to learn how to tell ground ivy and garlic mustard apart and how to manage both? In this workshop series, participants will receive a primer on weed identification and management. They will be taught some of the fundamental biology used in weed science, receive an […]

Wednesday, May 1st 6 pm Broome County Public Library In cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension learn to recognize and control common diseases in vegetables and fruit. Integrated Pest Management strategies are stressed.

Pigweed, crabgrass, and purslane – Oh My! Would you like to learn how to tell ground ivy and garlic mustard apart and how to manage both? In this workshop series, participants will receive a primer on weed identification and management. They will be taught some of the fundamental biology used in weed science, receive an […]

Wednesday, May 15th 6 to 7:30 pm Broome County Public Library In cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, explore the importance of using native plants and providing the basic needs for birds. This program provides information on how to garden for birds along with examples of specific flowers, shrubs, and trees that work […]

Composting is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive vegetable garden. Learn to create systems of composting and what materials to incorporate from your household.  Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator Kira Hawes and Master Composter Josh Enderle will explain how to develop a system specifically for the purpose of enhancing soil health for your garden. Participants will […]

What's all this buzz about saving habitats for pollinators? Interested in keeping a beehive at your home? Come learn all the basics of beekeeping and the differences between native bees […]

This workshop will cover a basic approach to small plot no-till gardening. It will provide a broad overview of how a no-till season can unfold from early spring occultation, to […]

Herbs have many uses - in the kitchen, in the medicine chest, and as magnets for beneficial insects.  Master Gardener and herb enthusiast Elaine Gregory will talk about growing, harvesting […]

Join us for a free composting workshop at the Oak St Community Garden! Learn the basics of composting, including how to start and maintain a compost pile, what materials to […]

Join us for a free composting workshop at the New St Community Garden! Learn the basics of composting, including how to start and maintain a compost pile, what materials to […]

Join us for a free composting workshop at the Davis Ave Community Garden! Learn the basics of composting, including how to start and maintain a compost pile, what materials to […]