March 2022
Gardening 101
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 your soil, and much more. Participants will take home their own garden plan! Free organic seed packets will be available to attendees. This workshop is…
Find out more »Heirloom Tomatoes from Seed to Harvest with Chrys Gardener
Heirloom vegetable varieties are prized by home gardeners for superior flavor, uniqueness, and other characteristics that are not always present in modern varieties. Instructor Chrys Gardener will share information on some of her favorite heirloom varieties, including where to source seeds and plants, tips on growing tomatoes from seed, managing diseases of heirloom tomato plants, and to how to save your own seeds for next year’s crop. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of…
Find out more »April 2022
Seed Starting
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 garden for much cheaper than buying them at a nursery! This is a hands-on workshop that will teach participants the basics of starting their own…
Find out more »Gardening 101
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 your soil, and much more. Participants will take home their own garden plan! Free organic seed packets will be available to attendees. This workshop…
Find out more »Gardening 201
With Spring just around the corner are you ready to get your hands in the dirt? Feel like you could get more out of your garden? VINES invites you to join us for this workshop. We will be taking a deeper look into topics covered in gardening 101 while also discussing topics such as season extension, pest control, and ways to diversify and incorporate perennials into your garden. You do not need to attend a Garden Planning 101 to attend…
Find out more »Spring Farm to Table Dinner at Remliks
Back after 2 years! The event kicks off with a cocktail hour and opening of the silent auction at 5:00 pm. Appetizers and dinner featuring a delicious spread of dishes prepared by Remlik’s chefs and sourced from local farmers will be served at 6:15pm. Gluten free and vegan options available. At 7:00 pm dessert and coffee will be served while VINES and other special guests make announcements. Entertainment will include live music and speakers. All proceeds support VINES’ programs!
Find out more »May 2022
Composting 101
Composting is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive vegetable garden. Learn to create systems of composting and what materials to incorporate from your household. Josh Enderle of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 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 create rich compost, various methods of composting and how to use in the garden. This workshop is FREE and open to the…
Find out more »Fruit Tree Pruning
Come learn the basics of fruit tree pruning from a local certified organic farming expert! Taught by Brian Caldwell of Hemlock Grove Farm Dick Andrus Community Orchard, 25 Corbett Ave, Binghamton Please RSVP to this in person event. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Grow Bags and Containers 101
Join us for a fun interactive workshop focused on growing plants in containers and grow bags. 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 Appropriate watering, fertilizing and container plant care Non-chemical solutions to common pests and diseases And much more! This workshop is highly recommended for Build A Garden members. This workshop is FREE…
Find out more »July 2022
Vermicomposting 101 with Josh Endele (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
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 to make your own black gold at home. Participants in this workshop will learn the importance of composting, best management practices to maintain a vermicomposting…
Find out more »Intro to Beekeeping 7/13/2022
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 to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Rainwater Harvesting 7/27/2022
Fresh water. An ever increasingly vital resource. Intrigued by the idea of saving as much as you can? Interested in helping out your residential habitat, decreasing storm-water surge, reducing your water bill? The Green Thumb workshop series will be hosting a class to give you a practical way to accomplish these things and much more. Join us as we demonstrate how to make and use a rain barrel. As well as the means and ways of rain catchment garden spaces.…
Find out more »August 2022
Canning (Pickles!) 8/10/2022
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 using a hot water bath canner. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Cooking With Kids 8/17/2022
Join us for our Green Thumb workshop for families. We will learn a delicious recipe that the whole family can eat and cook together! This workshop will be taught by Ann Supa at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 840 Front St, Binghamton. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Plant-Based Cooking 8/24/2022
In this workshop we will go over all of the basic skills and tools necessary to get you cookin'! We will focus on measuring, simple knife skills, and most importantly, how to create an easy and appetizing plant-based meal (with dessert!). This is a great way to gain the confidence you need to prepare all those fun new veggies from your farm share, garden, or the supermarket and cook a healthy, delicious meal for everyone to enjoy. Menu: Black Bean…
Find out more »Natural Dyes 8/31/2022
Interested in fiber arts or hand dyeing items yourself? Join us for our Green Thumb workshop on Natural Dyes where we will learn how to make dyes out of plants. This workshop will be taught by Marion Irwin. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »September 2022
Plants for Fiber (Linen Workshop) 9/10/2022
Plants, Flax, Fiber, Linen Interested in fiber arts such as crochet, weaving, and embroidery? Come learn with us about the best plants for fiber in our Green Thumb workshop taught by Marion Irwin. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Season Extension 9/14/2022
Want to grow your fruits and vegetables for longer? Join us for a workshop on season extension taught by Jim Dunn and the Cornell Cooperative Extension. This workshop will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 840 Front Street Binghamton, 13905. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Urban Foraging and Plant Identification 9/17/2022
Join local herbalist and wild food enthusiast Rebecca Heller-Steinberg as she shares some common edible and medicinal plants that grow in urban areas. This workshop will touch on proper identification, safety considerations, and ethical harvesting. Recipes and resources for further learning will be provided. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Challah Baking 9/21/2022
Come learn how to prepare and braid challah (braided bread) dough in our next Green Thumb Workshop taught by Sophia Sloves. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »October 2022
Garlic Planting 10/20/22
RESCHEDULED FROM LAST WEEK Come learn about planting garlic with our Urban Farm Manager, Cynthia. This workshop is great for anyone interested in using their garden plot over the winter or who has never planted garlic before. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Fire Cider: A Traditional Remedy for Cold & Flu Season 10/26/2022
This workshop will be two hours long and will be led by local herbalist, Rebecca Heller-Steinberg. The first hour will teach you more about this simple herbal remedy that is used by many to support the immune system, prevent colds and other illnesses, and help people recover more quickly. We’ll talk about the history of this interesting remedy, as well as the medicinal benefits of some of the ingredients, including garlic, ginger, and cayenne. In the second hour, we will…
Find out more »November 2022
Tree Planting Workshop 11/12/2022
Interested in learning the basics of planting trees? Want to help the Community Orchard in these initial stages? Come to the Workday/Workshop to accomplish just that! This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.”
Find out more »February 2023
4th Annual Garden Bowl
Join us for the 4th Garden Bowl fundraiser for the VINES Farm Share program. This fun, family-friendly event is a great way to spend an afternoon bowling with friends and raising money for Farm Share. Details: - $16 bowling fees per person (shoes plus two games) - Each team of 4-6 has a minimum fundraising goal of $125 - Awards and raffles - Kid friendly! Fill out my LGL Form!
Find out more »March 2023
Gardening 101 – 3/11/2023
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 your soil, and much more. Participants will take home their own garden plan! Free organic seed packets will be available to attendees. This workshop is…
Find out more »Gardening 101 – 3/18/2023
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 your soil, and much more. Participants will take home their own garden plan! Free organic seed packets will be available to attendees. This workshop is…
Find out more »Common Diseases in the Vegetable Garden with Linda Svoboda (Cornell Cooperative Extension) 3/23/2023
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.
Find out more »Safe Gardening and Square Foot Gardening 3/29/2023
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 your own food and maximize your growing space. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »April 2023
Season Extension with Jim Dunn (Cornell Cooperative Extension) 4/1/2023
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. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Seed Starting with Cynthia Averett 4/15/2023
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 garden for much cheaper than buying them at a nursery! This is a hands-on workshop that will teach participants the basics of starting their own…
Find out more »Native Plantings – “Garden as Though Life Depends on It” with CCE 4/19/2023
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 species. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Weed Identification and Management Pt. 1 with Aleah Butler-Jones of Cornell University
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. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired weed identification skills. This workshop will be presented by Aleah Butler-Jones, MS/PhD student…
Find out more »May 2023
Composting 101 with Josh Enderle 5/10/2023
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 create rich compost, various methods of composting and how to use in the garden. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A…
Find out more »Weed Identification and Management Pt. 2 with Aleah Butler-Jones of Cornell University
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. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired weed identification skills. You do not need to have attended Part 1 to…
Find out more »Grow Bags And Container Planting 101 05/25/2023
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 -Appropriate watering, fertilizing and container plant care -Non-hazardous solutions to common pests and diseases This workshop is highly recommended for Build-A-Garden members. *This workshop is…
Find out more »Plant Based Brunch 05/31/2023
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 our fantastic brunch menu: Tofu Scramble, Tempeh Bacon, & Egg Free Pancakes with Fruit. Join us on this amazing culinary journey. This workshop has a…
Find out more »June 2023
Beekeeping 101 with Ken Lord – 6/21/2023
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 to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Rainscaping: A Garden for Water Quality 6/28/2023 with Linda Svoboda of Cornell Cooperative Extension
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 donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »July 2023
Ghanain Cooking with Afua Baidoo-Davis 7/12/2023
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 class has limited space. Please notify us if you cannot attend after registering.) This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation…
Find out more »Culinary and Medicinal Herbs with Elaine Gregory – 7/22/2023
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 $5-$10 is appreciated.”
Find out more »August 2023
Vermicomposting 101 with Josh Enderle – 08/02/2023
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 to make your own black gold at home. Participants in this workshop will learn the importance of composting, best management practices to maintain a vermicomposting…
Find out more »Cooking With Kids With Jamie Kirby – 08/09/2023
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 and bring your little ones. Limited space for registration. This workshop is FREE and open to the public, although a suggested donation of $5-$10 is…
Find out more »Flavors on the Farm
Join us for a captivating culinary experience at our much-anticipated Flavors on the Farm fundraiser! Indulge in a diverse set of small plates expertly crafted by a number of different area restaurants featuring the freshest ingredients grown on site at our Urban Farm and other local farms. As you dine under the summer sky, you’ll be treated to live music that sets the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable evening. Connect with fellow food enthusiasts, farmers, and community members who share…
Find out more »Food Preservation – Pickles with Ann Supa of Cornell Cooperative Extension – 08/16/2023
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 using a hot water bath canner. This workshop is FREE and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Japanese Cooking with Miki Nishikawa 08/23/2023
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.
Find out more »September 2023
Straw Bale Building Volunteer Days
We have a number of opportunities for volunteers to work on the straw bale installation at our office building. You'll be provided with education and support along the way, and we'll have a lot of fun through the process! Workdays: Volunteer Workdays: Wed 9/6 - Fri 9/8, 9am-12pm Mon 9/11- Fri 9/15, 9am-12p Tues 9/12, 4pm-7pm Workshop & Workday Sunday 9/10, 1pm workshop & 2pm-5pm hands-on work Wear pants, long sleeve shirts, and closed toed shoes. Please bring a bottle…
Find out more »Straw Bale Building Workshop
Learn about straw bale building, a green and energy efficient construction method. Architect Laura Lee Intscher, Secret Base Design, will provide an overview of this innovative building technique from 1-2pm. From 2-5pm, you will be able to apply this knowledge through hands-on work installing straw bales in the walls of VINES' new office building. You do not have to stay for the entire time and can come just for the educational portion of the event. Bring your own chair if…
Find out more »Natural Dyes with Marion Irwin 09/13/2023
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.
Find out more »Flax: Seed to Sleeve with Marion Irwin 09/20/2023
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 $5-$10 is appreciated.
Find out more »Elder Moses & Lucille Cunningham Community Garden Dedication Ceremony
VINES is pleased to share that we are renaming our first community garden after Elder Moses and Lucille Cunningham. The garden dedication will be this Thursday Sept 28th at 11am at 26 Columbus Park East Street, Binghamton. All are invited to join us as we remember and honor two individuals who worked tirelessly to feed countless community members in the Susquehanna Street Neighborhood.
Find out more »