Grow Gardening Knowledge at McHenry County’s Great Seed Event

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and the Center for Agrarian Learning invite the public to the second annual Great Seed Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 1 in the cafeteria at McHenry County College, in Crystal Lake. This free program goes beyond a traditional seed swap, and will include community partners, vendors, raffles, kids’ activities, demonstrations and expert speakers throughout the day. Participants do not need to bring seeds to attend.

Featured presentations include Jason Jurey from CropKing Inc. on Basics of Home Hydroponics and Seed Starting (10:30 a.m.); Nick Fuller from Natural Communities LLC on Restoring Illinois Native Landscapes (11:30 a.m.); Scott Hucker from Great Lakes Staple Seeds on Growing Grains: From the Garden to the Table (12:30 p.m.); and Eleanor Schumacher from Project Wingspan with updates on this statewide seed collection network (1:30 p.m.).

Attendees can park on campus in the B lot near the flagpoles and enter through the B doors. The event opens at 10 a.m., and early arrivals will not be admitted. Organizers request participants take only the seeds they plan to use to ensure there'll be enough for everyone.

Location: 8900 U.S. 14, MCC Cafeteria, Crystal Lake. For more information or to register for reminders, visit Eventbrite.com/e/the-great-seed-event-tickets-1002343054057.