“The Details are in the dirt”

A healthy garden, beginning with the soil restores dignity and hope at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual core of humanity. The economics of this redemptive activity is competitive and profitable. However, we can’t eat the idea of carrots, we can only eat carrots. The focus of this presentation will be on practical creative and efficient gardening techniques and resources. The “how to” of planning, soil/compost preparations, planting, crop management, harvesting, and clean-up.

About Fred Billings

Extensive background in organic produce production, distribution, marketing, policy, and training. Also owns and operates Buds & Blossoms, Inc. a landscape design/build company specializing in creative design connected to client land and space use profiles. Passionate about family, faith, and community initiatives that stimulate practical positive influence for people, planet, and profit.

“The Importance of growing for community“

We will explore the profound impact that local food production has on fostering vibrant, resilient communities. The discussion will highlight how cultivating our own food not only strengthens food security but also enhances community bonds, promotes environmental sustainability, and supports local economies. By examining successful community gardens, urban farming initiatives, and grassroots food sovereignty movements, we will uncover the transformative potential of growing food together.

About Ivy Lawrence-Walls

Ivy Lawrence-Walls is a pioneering agriculturalist deeply ingrained in both community and culture, making significant strides in the farming sphere with an unwavering dedication to nurturing food-secure ecosystems. She spearheaded the establishment of a community farm in Sunnyside, one of the city's oldest predominantly Black neighborhoods. Leveraging her rich third-generation farming legacy and an entrepreneurial spirit, Ivy stands at the forefront of advocating for food accessibility and equity.

“Five Great Reasons to Grow Your Own Organic Food”

Everyone needs to eat regularly and well, and the body keeps the score of what we do. If you eat the best stuff, you get the best outcome. And if you grow it, you will get the best. The best tasting, the healthiest, the cheapest, with the most abundance. You even get exercise, fun, and even therapy.

“Growing Food without Toxic Poisons”

When asked about using pesticides to grow food, most people at this talk probably know they are unhealthy and don't want to use them. But for several reasons, toxics don't really end the pest problem, so there are more reasons not to use them. Rather, there are several ways to avoid pests without toxic options, and mostly they work much better. This talk will explain some of the problems with pesticides and explain what to do instead.

About Bob Randall

Bob is a food systems anthropologist who has researched and taught various aspects of horticulture for more than 50 years. He helped found both Urban Harvest and OHBA-Organic Educators and teaches fruits and vegetables using his latest gardening book, "Year-Round Food Gardening for Houston and Southeast Texas."