GULFPORT, Miss. -- Mississippi producers will have an opportunity to learn about the square-foot gardening method and tour an organic garden model on the Gulf Coast.

The Alliance of Sustainable Farms will host A Garden Tour and Square-Foot Gardening/Intensive Planting Demonstrations Sept. 20 at the 34th Street Wholistic Gardens and Education Center in Gulfport.

“Schools across the nation and international humanitarian groups around the world are using this method to make inroads against poverty and hunger,” said Alliance manager Keith Benson. “It is estimated to cost 50% less and use 20% less space, 10% of the water and only 2% of the work compared to single-row gardening. Additional benefits are fewer weeds, no digging or rototilling, and no heavy tools.”

The field day is free, but preregistration is required. Onsite check-in begins at 10 a.m. The program begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.

To register for the field day, email AllianceofSustainableFarms@gmail.com.

The Wholistic Gardens was established in April 2016 to address insecurities and promote environmental education among the vulnerable communities in the region. To date, it has recruited more than 25 volunteer master gardeners and provides workshops, training and seminars that promote health, wellness, gardening and environmental education. 

Alliance field day partners and sponsors include the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Alcorn State University Extension Program, University of Mississippi Transactional Law Clinic, National Center for Appropriate Technology, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and Mississippi Department of Education.

Contact: Keith Benson, 601-988-4999