Sweetwater Workshop Series — Winter Container Gardening with Willow LaMonte: Thursday, December 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
Willow, the owner of Willow Herbal Delight Gardens in Valrico, will teach urban gardeners how grow fresh food naturally and inexpensively in mobile containers. Participants will learn how to safely grow edibles in non-toxic planters without plastic and will find out what greens, root crops and herbs will thrive in Florida’s winters. Organic seeds and seedlings will also be available for purchase. Suggested donation of $8 to $20 (cash or check); 6942 West Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066, sweetwater-organic.org
Tampa Bay Sierra Club Holiday Gala: Thursday, December 8, 7-10 p.m.
This event will honor special volunteers and organizers who have helped the Tampa Bay Sierra Club this past year. Guests can enjoy heavy appetizers, a cash bar and participate in a silent auction filled with green gifts, products and services. Party is open to the public; RSVP to marcia.biggs@florida.sierraclub.org or 727-797-6261. $10 (free parking); Centro Asturiano de Tampa: 1913 North Nebraska Ave., Tampa, florida.sierraclub.org/tampabay
Dunedin Green Market: Fridays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 11 through April
This popular market in Pioneer Park was in such high demand that it's been extended to two days every week with different vendors each day (listed on their website). You'll find an array of fresh local produce, plants, organic and eco-friendly items, and a ton of gourmet foods and drinks in the heart of Downtown Dunedin. Come hungry! Douglas Ave. and Main St., downtown Dunedin, dunedingov.com
Tampa Downtown Market: Fridays (through May 27), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The vision of the Tampa Downtown Market is to provide local residents and businesses of the community with the freshest, highest quality, most nutritious, and most reasonably priced food and gourmet products. This year the Tampa Downtown Market will be located on the 200 and 300 Blocks of Twiggs Street, spanning Franklin Street, in the heart of downtown Tampa. Parking is available at several locations throughout downtown including the Maas Bros. parking block, which is accessible directly across the street from the Market. tampadowntownmarket.com
Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm Market: Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Get fresh, organically grown hydroponic veggies straight from this CSA farm in Carrollwood. Open to the public. Arrive early for best selection! 5416 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, 813-293-3276; urbanoasisfarm.com
Introduction to Permaculture: Friday, December 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn about Permaculture (Permanent Culture or Permanent Agriculture) — design method that utilizes ecology to plan and design human habitats that are regenerative and sustainable — and how to use permaculture to design our own homes to be more sustainable. RSVP. $15. Green Dreams: 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-439-6700, greendreamsfl.com
Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop: Friday, December 9, 2-4 p.m.
In this fact filled class you will learn about pH, minerals, natural fertilizers, and companion planting for pest control, seasons & placement. This class will cover it all to allow you to create an abundant backyard vegetable garden. RSVP. $15. Green Dreams: 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-439-6700, greendreamsfl.com
World Cafe Discussions: Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727-421-2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. theworldcafe.com
Winthrop Town Center Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.
Complete with more handcrafted goods, fresh fruits, veggies, and boiled peanuts than you can shake a stick at. 1109 Winthrop Market St., Riverview, 813-601-3129
Brooksville Saturday Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
An array of vendors offering food, goods, plants, organics and more at this weekly event. 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, 352-428-9275
Farm Day at Magnolia Organics: Second Saturdays, November-May, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Spend a day at the farm, Magnolia Farm, and enjoy educational seminars, purchase certified organic produce and Florida native plants, and sample some of their vegetables for free. Free. 33601 Kiefer Road, Wesley Chapel, 800-449-2363, magnoliaorganics.net
Dunedin Green Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 29 through July
This popular market in Pioneer Park was in such high demand that it's been extended to two days every week with different vendors each day (listed on their website). You'll find an array of fresh local produce, plants, organic and eco-friendly items, and a ton of gourmet foods and drinks in the heart of Downtown Dunedin. Come hungry! Douglas Ave. and Main St., downtown Dunedin, dunedingov.com
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market- Every Saturday (October-May); 9 am-2 p.m.
Featuring locally grown fresh produce, prepared foods, tempting baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, handcrafted gifts, live music, and more! Downtown St. Petersburg in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot: 1st Ave. S and 1st St. S., St. Pete, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (year-round)
You'll be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, orchids, herbs and plants, pet treats, honey, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and so much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this 2-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to the tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve: 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500.
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Join us for this 0.75 mile walk as we look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike. Admission: Free. All ages welcome; children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800
Sweetwater Workshop Series — Organic Gardening 101 with Rick Martinez: Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
In this three-hour workshop you’ll learn exactly what organic means and how to do your own organic gardening at home. Rick will cover soil health, composting techniques, seed selection and preparation, organic pest control methods, irrigation and much more! Whether you have a large plot or prefer container gardening, you’ll benefit from Rick’s extensive knowledge and experience. Each participant can bring a five-gallon (or smaller) container to fill with fresh Sweetwater compost to use for his or her home gardens. RSVP to outreach@sweetwater-organic.org. Suggested donation of $35-45 (cash or check only); 6942 West Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066, sweetwater-organic.org
Hernando Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fresh produce, homemade, handmade products, plants, crafts and more! Offering local small businesses a venue to sell their products and grow their business. St. Rd. 50 and Mariner Blvd. (Located behind Walgreens in the Western Way Plaza), Spring Hill, hernandocountyfarmersmarket.webs.com
"What Grows When in Florida?" Workshop: Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m.
Come this Saturday and learn about what does grow here in central Florida and when to plant them. (Hint: it's all in the timing and the soil.) RSVP. 1612 Gentry Street, Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
Successful Urban Farming Workshop: Saturday, December 10, 1-3 p.m.
Do you want to become more independent and self-sustaining? Then grow your own food! A great refresher for garden veterans and solid advice for beginners. This 2-hour workshop is jam-packed with information for you to apply in your backyard vegetable patch as you prepare for fall planting and consider growing next summer. Check out stpete.locallygrown.net or call 727-515-9469 for more information. $35 per person or $60 when two family members attend together. 5305 20th St. N., St. Pete.
Green After Dark: Saturday, December 10, 5-9 p.m.
Going Green Tampa, Odessa Organic Market, Pizza Fusion Westchase and Intensity Academy Gourmet Sauces, will be sponsoring another Green After Dark event. Bring your friends and family for an eco-friendly evening filled with healthy living, green exhibitors and live entertainment. Free event; 8701 Gunn Hwy., Odessa, goinggreentampa.com
Corey Avenue Fresh Market: Every Sunday, October 16-May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Attend the new Corey Fresh Market's grand opening and see the new look and vendors it has to offer. This open-air market will feature local vendors, including Brady Johnson "Mr I Got 'em BBQ", who will have their wares set up for sale along with Corey merchants open during market hours for shopping and dining, as well as live music by local musicians. Free; Corey Avenue: Between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in Downtown St Pete Beach, 727-461-7674, coreyave.com
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market: Every Second Sunday (October through May), 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market helps to circulating local trade and Florida foods by bringing to you a vast mixture of the highest quality, seasonal and locally farmed produce, all natural ready to eat foods and, specialty foods. Additionally, there are many neighborhood artists taking the opportunity to showcase their talents. Sunday Market is held on the front lawn of historic Hillsborough High School: 5000 N Central Ave., Tampa. sundaymorningmarket.com
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm Sunday Market: Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Nov. 6 through May
Every Sunday, Sweetwater's organic "urban farm" opens it gates to the public to share their bounty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables from both their gardens and from other local farms, as well as handmade goods, fair trade and artisan foods, farm-fresh eggs, local honey, environmentally-friendly products and more. Their Sunday Music Series features some of the best local musicians at their open mic and main stage sessions. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org
Grillin' for the Garden at Dunedin Community Garden: Sunday, December 11; 2-8 p.m.
Jollimon's Grill in Dunedin is hosting this fundraiser to benefit the Dunedin Community Garden. Enjoy food, live music, and more with a portion of food and beer sales going to the DCG. The mission of the Dunedin Community Garden is to enhance the quality of life and strengthen community bonds by creating and sustaining an organic garden that will foster environmental stewardship, horticultural education, and improved health (find them on Facebook). For more information, please call 727-902-1671. Jollimon's: 941 Huntley Ave, Dunedin, JolliMonsGrill.com.
This article appears in Dec 8-14, 2011.