Starting plants from seeds is certainly a rewarding experience, and it can also be tons of fun! In this program, we will explore a variety of seed-sowing techniques to help you get a jumpstart on your farm or garden. For instance, one of these techniques is Soil Blocking—a tray-free method of starting seeds popularized by organic farmer Elliot Coleman. Jamilah Cassagnol of Sweet Love Flower Farm will share the basics of soil blocking including the pros and cons, supplies needed, and how to nurture your precious seedlings prior to transplanting.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Stephanie Young of Blue Berwyn Farm will share her experiences with indoor sowing and provide suggestions on starting seeds with limited space. She’ll also share how you can simplify your seed sowing setup to make it work for you!

While Jamilah and Stephanie will focus on indoor sowing, Linda Jones of Elements of Nature Botanicals and Farmaceuticals will introduce participants to winter sowing techniques. No greenhouse, no hoop house, no growing lights, no damping off and no babysitting your seedlings. Sow and go . . . Set it and forget it! Mother Nature will do almost all the work for you.

Tentative Agenda:

9:00am: Log-in

9:05am: Welcoming Remarks – Kim Rush Lynch, Prince George’s Soil Conservation District

9:10am: Soil Blocking – Give it a Try! – Jamilah Cassagnol, Sweet Love Flower Farm

9:40am: Indoor Seed Sowing Simplified — Stephanie Young, Blue Berwyn Farm

10:10am: Introduction to Winter Sowing – Starting Seeds Nature’s Way – Linda Jones, Elements of Nature Botanicals and Farmaceuticals (Urban Farm)

10:30am: Discussion & Announcements

10:40am: Closing Remarks & Next Steps – Kim Rush Lynch

Speakers include:

• Jamilah Cassagnol, Sweet Love Flower Farm

• Linda Jones, Elements of Nature Botanicals and Farmaceuticals

• Stephanie Young, Blue Berwyn Farm

Jamilah has a B.S. in agricultural business and over 15 years in agricultural marketing experience. In 2020, she started Sweet Love Flower Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Stephanie has a background in education and shifted to farming by establishing Blue Berwyn Farm in Berwyn Heights, MD. She first learned how to garden from her grandparents and has been growing food for her family in Maryland since 2014.

Linda has over 25 years of diverse experiences in gardening education, value-added product creation and beyond. She is a Master Gardener, Professional Horticulture Educator, and the Founder of her urban farm Elements of Nature Botanicals and Farmaceuticals located in Clinton, MD.

The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District is sponsoring free growers’ workshops and networking opportunities to bring together urban farmers and other growers from across Prince George’s County to learn about soil health, new and emerging farming practices, programs in the local growing community, and much more. Each event will feature local farming and gardening experts offering their signature growing tips and techniques, networking opportunities, and hands-on skill building (when we return to in-person programming). The District encourages urban farmers and gardens of all skill levels to attend. We look forward to working with the community to grow new and existing urban farms and community gardens in Prince George’s County.