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 White Plains, NY - When most of us think of vegetable gardening, planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall is what usually comes to mind. But don’t pack up your gardening tools just yet.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Farmer Mary Ellen Sheehan will discuss which vegetables to choose and what techniques to use to have a thriving fall garden, at Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center, Yorktown Heights.
Participants will learn how to grow crops in their backyard or porch and will receive a starter package of seeds and starter plants for crops such as fennel, beets, turnips, scallions, spinach, kale, collards, lettuce heads, endive, arugula and more.
Farmer Mary Ellen will discuss how a season extension allows a crop to be cultivated beyond its normal outdoor growing season. Season extension techniques, such as hoop houses or mulching, are most effective when combined with crop varieties selected for extended growing conditions. A number of crops, such as greens and beets, are able to grow in cooler fall temperatures.
Families are encouraged to come early, pack a picnic lunch, hike the trails and enjoy the beautiful views at the farm. Visitors can also purchase vegetables at Hilltop’s farm stand, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Registration for the event is $15 and includes the starter package. To register, call the farm at (914)245-2520 by Friday, September 12.
Hilltop Hanover Farm, a 180-acre former dairy farm, was purchased by the county in 2003 for agricultural preservation, drinking water protection and the promotion of environmental stewardship through demonstration projects and sustainability programs.
Admission to the farm is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Hilltop Hanover Farm is located at 1271 Hanover Street in Yorktown Heights. It can be reached via the Taconic State Parkway. Take the Millwood/Route 100 exit to Route 100 north. Turn left onto Route 118. Make a right onto Hanover Street. The farm is on the left.
For more information on the farm or upcoming programs, events, and demonstrations, visit http://www.hilltophanoverfarm.org/ or call 914-962-2368.
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