"How to germinate hard-coated seeds?"

"How to make sure that seedlings receive optimum amount of light?"

"What is a soil mix?"

"What should be the ideal frequency to water seedlings?"

These were some of the questions discussed in the second free monthly organic gardening workshop held on May 04, a rainy day on Roosevelt Island, NYC. A.L.L. garden teacher, China Bushell met with students in the RI Branch Public Library, and they talked about sowing seeds, soil testing, and transplanting seedlings into the garden. In spite of the weather, a group of enthusiastic participants turned up, wanting to learn about seed germination and growth, different kinds of soil, and the usage of compost, peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and sand in soil mixes.

China also spoke about checking on a plant's condition by measuring moisture content, pH value and light levels with the help of a soil tester kit. She encouraged participants to grow their own version of organic gardens in pots and containers, even in apartments. The Workshop also brought up diverse plant issues including: importance of using non-GMO seeds, use of organic pesticides rather than chemical deterrents, and soil nutrients. Enjoy a few images from the workshop, inside Roosevelt Island Public Library and in the RI Living Library & Think Park Gardens: