Gardening with Ayurvedic Principles in Mind

CANTON -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, 2043B State Highway 68, will host a workshop on gardening with with Ayurvedic Principles in Mind on April 29 at 10 a.m. at the Extension learning farm. Sliding scale fee to attend from $10-$40. Info: Erin Farrell, ejf232@cornell.edu, 315-379-9192, https://tinyurl.com/txsasz3 .

Ayurveda, or the study of life, is an ancient Indian philosophy and medicine that provides a path to balancing mind, body, and spirit. Even if you’ve never heard of Ayurdeva, this class will be a fun opportunity to learn some of its teachings on food and health.

While not an expert, Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Moerschell has been interested in Ayurveda for decades and has recently delved deeper into it. With 20 years of teaching experience in English and Communications, Linda is always eager to share what she’s been learning in an approachable, accessible manner.

This presentation will start with a quiz to help participants identify which fundamental energies "or doshas" make up their constitution. According to Ayurveda, maintaining a proper balance between these doshas is crucial for health, and the foods we eat can create that balance. Linda will cover which of these balancing foods can be grown successfully in the North Country. She will provide handouts that include food lists, sample garden plans, and companion planting information.

Although Ayurveda is a comprehensive practice that includes exercise, meditation, sleeping, breathing, and a full range of dietary topics, this presentation will focus on dietary principles applied specifically to vegetables and garden planning. This presentation is not intended to offer religious or medical advice.