Last Monday, spring made its annual return. With flowers, leaves, and plants in blossom, there’s no better time to sprout your interest in gardening and other activities for those with or looking to grow a green thumb.

Starting this weekend through May, various events are happening around the neighborhood that will help you realize your plant potential! 

Germantown Kitchen Garden’s Plant Nursery

The Germantown Kitchen Garden hosts a yearly Plant Nursery where neighbors can come by and purchase various items like veggie & herb seedlings, compost,potting mix, native plants, trees, shrubs, and much more. The Plant Nursery will reoccur on Saturdays, starting April 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 215 East Penn Street.

Neighbors can visit their website or call 610-505-4881 to learn more about the market. Folks can also shop online using their website.

Grow Your Own Garden with Philly GOAT Project

This Saturday, the Philly GOAT Project will partner with Black Girls With Green Thumbs to help neighbors cultivate their gardens by touring the Farm at Awbury, learning about what’s growing, and learning how to grow their own food, with or without a backyard. Guests will also take home free starter seeds.

Reservations are not required for this event. Meet the hosts at 6336 Ardleigh Street from 1 to 3 pm. The rain date is April 2. Check their social media for any weather-related changes.

Seed Swap with Truelove Seeds

Local farm-based seed company, Truelove Seeds, will offer a seed swap for neighbors to bring and trade their seeds. They will also provide a range of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.

The swap will happen this Saturday, April 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Weavers Way Germantown Outreach Office (326B West Chelten Avenue). Contact outreach@weaversway.coop for any questions. Register here.

Seed Starts & DIY Greenhouses Workshop at Wyck

Anastasia Alexandrin will lead participants in learning how to make their own greenhouses for seed starting. While materials will be available at the workshop, they ask that participants who can bring recycled water jogs or salad containers.

This event will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, at the Wyck Historic House and Garden (6026 Germantown Avenue). Use the Walnut Lane entrance to enter. For any questions, (215) 848-1690 or email info@wyck.org. Register ahead here.

Germantown Neighborhood Seed Exchange

Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together (GREAT) will host their own seed exchange for the neighborhood on Saturday, April 15. The free sharing and learning event will have demonstrations, art & poetry, kids’ activities, storytelling, and SEEDS! They encourage neighbors to bring their own seeds if they have them.

There is no RSVP for this event. Show up at the Wyck House & Historic Garden to participate between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The rain date is April 22. Learn more on their website and keep up with event updates at facebook.com/GREATgtown.

Spring Events at Awbury Arboretum

Awbury Arboretum is hosting two events this season for neighbors. 

The first is Awbury Earth Day: Forest and Farm Fair, a fun-filled event centered around celebrating the earth.  There will be a plant sale, children’s activities, food, drinks, concerts, and different activities. Awbury Earth Day will happen all day on Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here to view the full schedule of events and happenings.

Awbury’s Farmers Market returns on Sunday, April 30, to provide locally sourced and farm-fresh produce. Every Sunday until October, neighbors can buy fresh food and produce, artisan goods, and see food prep demonstrations. There are also family-friendly activities, wellness events, and workshops. The market is open from 1 to 5 p.m. If you have questions, contact farmmarket@awbury.org.

Awbury is located at One Awbury Road. Call (215) 849-2855 with questions.

Germantown Container Gardening Project

GREAT will lead neighbors to grow their herbs and vegetables within their homes from April through September. Project participation is free and includes the following:

  • Three potted tomato, basil, and pepper plants,
  • Plus two additional plants-to-be of your choice
  • Supplies and materials

Beginners will be paired with an experienced gardener for periodic support while journaling their experience. If you’re interested in participating or have questions, contact Webb at speedy1spider@yahoo.com.