Sentinel file photo
Rose Dietz, left, and Mary Gordon pull weeds out of the walk way around the Community Garden in Lewistown. Community Partnerships is gearing up to host a garden-to-table workshop on March 10 that will help community members learn how to plant a healthy vegetable garden.

LEWISTOWN — With the gardening season just around the corner and daylight stretching a little longer each evening, many local growers are ready to start planning their first plantings of the year.

For longtime educator and gardener Rose Massie that makes March the perfect time to bring the community back together for another year of hands-on learning through the Garden to Table Workshop Series. She is also a volunteer with Community Partnerships in Lewistown.

The first workshop of 2026, “Planting a Vegetable Garden with Healthy Outcomes,” will be held Tuesday, March 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The LEAF, located at 131 W. Market Street in Lewistown. The event is free and open to gardeners of all experience levels.

The workshop is supported by Mifflin-Juniata United Way and Community Partnerships.

“Over the winter, I always take time to read, learn, and pick up new ideas,” Massie said. “There’s always something new to discover, and I love being able to share those nuggets with other gardeners when spring arrives.”

Preparing for a successful garden

The March workshop will focus on the early decisions that shape a garden’s success long before the first seeds sprout. Massie will cover:

• Choosing the right garden location;

• Understanding sunlight, spacing, and layout;

• Soil health and preparation;

• Strategies for both in‒ground and raised‒bed gardens;

• Early‒season planting choices that influence long‒term outcomes.

“So much of gardening comes down to planning,” Massie said. “Healthy soil, good placement, and thoughtful preparation make all the difference in what you harvest later.”

Participants will receive several take‒home handouts, including planting guides, soil improvement tips and a full schedule of the 2026 Garden to Table workshops.

Seed share and radish tasting

A popular tradition returns this year: the community seed share. Attendees are encouraged to bring extra seeds to exchange, but Massie emphasized that no one should feel obligated.

“If you have seeds to share, wonderful,” she said. “If not, that’s fine too — we always have plenty to go around.”

The workshop will also feature a tasting of sautéed radishes and fermented radishes, offering participants a chance to explore new ways to enjoy one of spring’s earliest crops.

“Radishes are fast, easy, and surprisingly versatile,” Massie said. “People are often shocked by how good they are cooked.”

A new home at The LEAF

This year marks the first time the Garden to Table series will be held at The LEAF (Learning, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Foodways), a new community space operated by Community Partnerships RC&D.

Community Partnerships has supported the workshops for years, and its partnership — along with funding from the Mifflin‒Juniata United Way — makes the annual series possible.

“I’m really looking forward to having our workshops at The LEAF,” Massie said. “It’s a beautiful, welcoming space designed for community learning. It feels like the perfect home for Garden to Table.”

The LEAF’s mission aligns closely with the goals of the workshop series: connecting people with practical skills, healthy food, and hands-on education. Its central location in downtown Lewistown also makes it more accessible to residents across the region.

A program rooted in community

The Garden to Table series has grown steadily over the years, drawing participants ranging from first‒time gardeners to seasoned growers looking to refine their skills. Massie said the workshops are designed to be approachable, practical, and grounded in real‒world experience.

“Gardening is something anyone can do,” she said. “You don’t need a big yard or fancy tools. You just need a little space, a little knowledge, and the willingness to try.”

The program emphasizes healthy outcomes — both nutritional and environmental. Growing even a small amount of food at home can increase access to fresh produce, reduce grocery costs, and encourage healthier eating habits.

“Every tomato, every pepper, every handful of greens you grow is a step toward better health,” Massie said. “And it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Registration and details

The workshop is free, but space is limited. Those planning to attend are asked to reserve a spot by contacting Massie at (717) 899‒6044 or rmassie@cpartnerships.com.

As the growing season approaches, Massie hopes the workshop will inspire both new and returning gardeners to dig in — literally and figuratively.

“Spring is a fresh start,” she said. “There’s no better time to plant something new.”