By Aleta Damm
This summer, Grow Jackson is inviting families to get outside, get their hands dirty, and explore the world of gardening through a new hands-on summer program: Fun Family Fridays.
Beginning June 12, families with children are invited to join Grow Jackson every Friday throughout the summer from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at locations including the River and Rail Food Hub, St. Mary’s, and the King Center. Each week will feature a different gardening or environmental topic paired with interactive activities, garden exploration, planting, and opportunities to learn together as a family.
The series was created to give children and caregivers a chance to connect with nature, build gardening confidence, and explore where food comes from in a fun and welcoming environment.
Throughout the summer, participants will learn about topics such as:
- Soil and healthy plant environments
- Seeds, bulbs, and cones
- Composting and mulching
- Garden pests and beneficial insects
- Companion planting and pollinators
- Garden tools and safe gardening practices
- Edible flowers
- Root systems and root vegetables
Each session includes hands-on learning experiences designed for a variety of ages and learning styles. Families may find themselves examining soil samples, planting seeds, searching for insects in the garden, tasting root vegetables, dissecting flowers, or designing pollinator gardens.
In addition to educational activities, participants will help maintain and care for garden spaces throughout the season through planting, harvesting, composting, and observation.
The program reflects Grow Jackson’s ongoing mission of empowering the community through gardens, fresh food access, and education. By combining science, gardening, food exploration, and outdoor play, Fun Family Fridays aims to help children and families build lifelong connections to healthy food and the natural world.
Suggested Donations
- $5 per student or $10 per family per session
- $20 per student or $40 per family for the full summer
All families are welcome to participate regardless of donation amount.
Families are encouraged to wear clothes suitable for gardening and outdoor activities.
For updates, schedules, and location details, follow Grow Jackson on social media and watch for upcoming event announcements.