On Saturday, May 23, West Seattle Edible Garden Fair will teach residents how to grow their own groceries at a free event.

Held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Seattle Community College landscape horticulture buildings, the day will be packed full of five rooms of interactive workshops, gardening demonstrations, “Ask the expert” panel discussions and educational booths all designed to teach you how to grow your own groceries right outside your door.

Organizers say the goal is to empower people with the knowledge, skills and passion to grow your own groceries.

"Now, more than ever, it is important that we know where our food comes from," according to the press release. "Take control of your food safety and your family’s well being by growing your own economic stimulus plan."

Speakers include, Willi Galloway, who will be presenting two of her most popular sessions: “Some Like It Hot - Growing heat-loving vegetables in the Pacific NW” and “Growing For Good Taste," and Jennifer Adler of Bastyr University presenting, “The Magic of Preserving Foods” and “Tasty Ways to Prepare Northwest Greens.”

Other presentations and booths will feature Laila Suidan and Laura Matter from Seattle Tilth, Sue McGann - Marra Farms Coordinator, Sandy Pederson of Urban Land Army and Bucket Brigade, Michael Lockman, Ingela Wanerstrand, Steffany Neuschaefer, Carey Thornton, Suzanne Greive, Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle, LongFellow Creek Community Garden, King County Master Gardeners, King County Master Composters, Sustainable West Seattle and Sustainability Gurus - The Lazy Locavores just to name a few.

Fresh Bistro, a new restaurant by Herban Feast, will be serving delicious soups and salads mede from locally sourced, farm fresh ingredients. There will be door prizes, kids activities, cooking demonstrations and all the information you will need to start growing your own groceries.

"Whether it is your first time growing food or you are an experienced Victory Gardener, you will find something to motivate and inspire you," organizers said.

This groundbreaking event is sponsored by Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle with a grant from the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and co-sponsored by the generous folks at South Seattle Community College Landscape Horticulture Program.

Want to get involved as a volunteer? Does your local organization have something to offer in our booth spaces? Please contact the event coordinator, Aviva Furman, at info@gleanit.org or you can call at 206-762-0604.

South Seattle Community College Landscape Horticulture Buildings, is located at 6000 16th Ave. S.W.