Diné College Crownpoint Center Hosts Hands-On Spring Seed Starting Workshop
CROWNPOINT, NM., April 29, 2026. The Diné College Crownpoint Center partnered with the Land Grant Office to host a free Spring Seed Starting Workshop today. The event gave students, staff, and local community members the chance to learn the basics of growing plants from seeds and what they need to thrive.
The workshop was created after community members shared a strong interest in learning how to garden. Designed for people with no prior experience, the event provided a hands-on introduction to soil preparation, plant nutrients, and planting techniques. Participants touched the soil, filled their own planting trays, and started seeds they could watch grow throughout the spring.
Beverly Maxwell, a facilitator from the Land Grant Office, led the workshop. She was joined by student intern Colleen Kellywood, who shared her own education and experience with the group. Kelly provided attendees with helpful resources, including growing zone guides and a garden planner logbook to help them map out their planting season. The team taught the group about companion planting and how to know when a plant is ready to move into a larger garden.
Beyond the physical skills of gardening, the event focused deeply on wellness, mental health, and the cultural meaning of agriculture. The facilitators taught that being a grower involves responsibility, but it also gives a lot back to the person tending to the garden. Taking time to care for plants offers physical activity and mental peace.
“Just like college, or anything in life, you have to take that step and try it out,” said Tyrel Pablo, Academic Success Coach at the Crownpoint Center. “You can take this as a form of self-care. It is a way to step back from your studies, help a seed grow, and relieve stress.”
The Diné College Crownpoint Center plans to hold another part of this workshop series in May to teach participants how to move their growing plants into a larger garden space.
For More Information:
Crownpoint Center 505.786.7391
