Everything Nac

Nacogdoches Independent School District mentor families partnering with Stephen F. Austin State University’s Community Responsiveness and Engaged Advocacy in Teacher Education, or C.R.E.A.T.E., program were recognized at a recent Nacogdoches City Council meeting. These families help SFA teacher candidates in C.R.E.A.T.E. gain a deeper understanding of their students’ lives outside of school. The program allows early childhood through sixth grade and secondary education teacher candidates to participate in urban-based field trips, small sessions with guest speakers, professional development and résumé-building opportunities.

By Jo Gilmore, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University. Photo courtesy of: Dr. Heather Olson Beal

Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host a Veggie Gardening 101 workshop to share methods for growing successful vegetables in East Texas.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon March 21 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building, Room 101, at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

Jodi and Duke Pittman of Pittman Farms will lead the workshop. Participants will explore basic vegetable growing principles, including site selection, soil testing and preparation, appropriate vegetables varieties for East Texas, and common problems. Participants also will learn proper seed-sowing techniques with a hands-on project that they will take home.

“Growing your own vegetables is incredibly rewarding and not nearly as difficult as people imagine,” Duke said.

East Texas enjoys long growing seasons, and a variety of vegetables can be grown at various times throughout the year.

“There is nothing better than the taste of the first homegrown tomato of the season,” Jodi added.

Cost for the seminar is $30 for SFA Garden members and $40 for nonmembers. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

To register for the seminar or for more information, contact the SFA Gardens education office at (936) 468-4129 or sfagardens@sfasu.edu.