Gardening - The Basics
Overview
From planting a seed to watching it grow and flourish over time, gardening reconnects us deeply with patience, purpose, and the natural rhythm of life.
Gardening - The Basics invites participants to learn the essential fundamentals of cultivating a thriving home or community garden—carefully guided by experienced local growers, dedicated agricultural partners, and the supportive AFL community itself.
This course teaches much more than just planting techniques; it helps restore our meaningful relationship with the earth and with one another. Every seed planted becomes a powerful symbol of growth, healing, and renewed hope for the future.
Course Description
Participants will gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in small-scale gardening, including:
Soil preparation & composting for healthy growth
Seed starting, planting, and transplanting techniques
Watering, weeding, and pest prevention
Harvesting and seasonal rotation
Sustainable practices for pollinator support and soil conservation
Classes take place in AFL’s community garden plots, allowing participants to learn by doing—digging, planting, and harvesting side by side with neighbors, veterans, and first responders.
The goal is simple yet powerful: teach people how to grow food, nurture the land, and find calm and connection through the process.
Who It’s For
Families and individuals new to gardening
Veterans and first responders seeking outdoor activity and relaxation
Students, volunteers, and youth groups
Anyone interested in sustainability, community health, or farm-to-table living
Taught by the Community, Supported by Those Who Served
Unlike traditional classroom courses, Gardening - The Basics is uniquely community-taught—led by a diverse group of local gardeners, agricultural partners, and dedicated volunteers who share a deep passion for nurturing life and the environment.
Veterans and prior first responders play an essential role in supporting the program as mentors, organizers, and active participants, helping to bridge generations and varied experiences through shared labor, learning, and purpose.
This inclusive model reflects AFL’s core belief: true healing happens within a supportive community. When people come together to cultivate something meaningful, they not only grow plants—they grow stronger and more connected together.
Why It Matters
For the community: Builds self-reliance, strengthens food security, and promotes healthier living.
For veterans and first responders: Provides therapeutic connection to nature and renewed purpose through hands-on work.
For families: Creates opportunities for bonding, learning, and outdoor wellness.
Gardening is more than a hobby—it’s an act of care. It feeds bodies, calms minds, and reminds us that growth often starts in the smallest places.