Alcorn’s garden series teaches soil health, drone tech and more

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Alcorn State University Extension Program hosted its “Let’s Grow Together” workshop Friday morning at Julia’s Memorial Community Garden, where community members learned how to build healthy soil, recognize common plant deficiencies and access local farming resources.

The theme of the workshop, “Growing with Intention: Awareness of Local Resources,” guided a lineup of Extension experts who shared practical advice and materials with attendees. Speakers included Carolyn Banks, food safety specialist; Orlando Kilcrease, project director for the Small Farm Outreach Project; Margeria Smith, licensed drone pilot and Southern SARE program assistant; Vickie Bailey, EFNEP coordinator; and Dr. Emran Ali, horticulture specialist.

Smith led a drone demonstration highlighting how aerial imagery can assist farmers and growers in monitoring crop health, detecting disease and surveying large garden plots more efficiently. Attendees observed how drone technology can help identify plant stress patterns and improve decision-making in both small- and large-scale operations.

Ali led a hands-on seed-starting demonstration, where participants learned how to detect nitrogen deficiencies, test soil pH using low-cost household methods, and identify early signs of disease. He also introduced free disease detection kits available through Alcorn’s Extension Program and demonstrated proper tomato planting techniques.

The three-part “Let’s Grow Together” workshop series is designed to help participants grow thriving gardens and connect with fellow growers in their communities. Julia’s Memorial Community Garden, located on East Street near Cherry Street, was established in honor of Julia Gholson, daughter of Charlie Gholson, who donated the land after her passing from cancer.

Future “Let’s Grow Together” workshops will be held at Julia’s Garden on Aug. 1 and Oct. 3.

For more information, contact Dr. Emran Ali at (601) 877-6129 or eali@alcorn.edu; Vickie Bailey at (769) 203-0399 or vybailey@alcorn.edu; or Velma Oliver, farm management and small farm loan specialist, at (601) 877-6570 or voliver@alcorn.edu.