Small Space, Big Harvest: Growing Food in Fabric Grow Bags
You don’t need acres of land to grow your own food. In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will learn how to successfully grow herbs, vegetables, and seasonal crops in fabric grow bags. Using the Kitchen Garden Staircase approach, we’ll explore the easiest crops for beginners and gradually work our way up to more advanced edible plants, while discussing the ideal grow bag size, soil, sunlight, and care requirements for each. Participants will also learn when to plant common crops for success in Florida’s unique Zone 9b climate, taking the guesswork out of seasonal gardening to grow healthier plants and enjoy bigger harvests throughout the year. Perfect for apartment dwellers, renters, and anyone looking to grow food in small spaces.
Program Duration: 60 minutes (approximately 45–50 minutes of instruction and 10–15 minutes for questions and discussion).
Dixie Espinosa is an educator and environmentalist with a love for sustainable gardening, herbalism, and plant-based living. She holds a Master’s degree in Humane Education and brings together years of experience in education, community work, and food justice.
Along with her husband, she co-founded Pretty Mindful Gardens, LLC, where she helps families and individuals grow organic food and medicinal herbs in ways that nourish both body and planet.
Dixie also serves as Education Coordinator at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. Through her workshops, she enjoys creating warm, seasonal spaces—especially in the winter—to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore simple practices that support wellness and mindful living.
Please note: This workshop will be taking place at the Big House at Sweetwater Farm, but you can park at 5521 Hanley Road, Tampa FL 33634 and cross the bridge over the creek to the farm.
General Admission: $25
Low Income/Senior: $12 (limited number)
Although our base price for this course is $25, Sweetwater is a nonprofit that puts on educational programs for elementary schools in the neighborhood and teaches them about food systems and basically where their food comes from. We also host community volunteer days and a farmer’s market every Sunday from November through May. You can donate to Sweetwater in addition to your course fee if you’d like to help us continue our programs. And if you want to get your hands dirty in our gardens you can contribute your time by volunteering Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings from 9-12.
