Deep Roots Project and BEAT Roots, an intergenerational gardening group at Brooks Middle School, are teaming up for a free, interactive event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1-4 PM, at the Oak Park Main Library.
This hands-on event features Deep Roots’ compost-based method, native plants, and simple “milk jug” winter sowing for bigger home harvests
At the heart of the afternoon is a featured demonstration of Deep Roots Project’s Transformational Gardening method—an innovative, science-based approach that uses 100% microbe- and nutrient-rich compost instead of traditional soil blends, enriched with worm castings and smart raised-bed design, to build living soil and significantly increase yields in small urban and suburban gardens.
The program will take place in the Veterans Room from 1:00–4:00 PM and is designed so participants can drop in for a portion or stay for the entire experience. Although the event is free, RSVPs are strongly encouraged, as space in the Veterans Room is limited. Use the sign-up button below.
The afternoon begins with a relaxed meet-and-greet, where attendees can connect with gardeners of all ages and learn how BEAT Roots and Deep Roots Project are bringing youth, adults, and elders together around food, soil, and climate action.
Deep Roots Project will then present its Transformational Gardening method in more detail—showing how compost-rich soil, worm castings, and well-designed raised beds can boost harvests, reduce work, and fit into even very small yards. The presentation will also touch on how surrounding food beds with selected native plants supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that make abundant fruit and vegetable yields possible.
To close the program, participants will dive into a hands-on winter sowing “milk jug” workshop, where they’ll learn how to use repurposed plastic jugs as mini-greenhouses to start hardy flowers and vegetables outdoors. The session will cover choosing seeds, preparing containers, and caring for seedlings in early spring—giving attendees practical tools they can use right away at home.
“Our partnership with BEAT Roots is about more than gardening,” said Briana Villarrubia, Partner Outreach and Funding Coordinator with Deep Roots Project. “It’s about bringing generations together to build healthier soil, stronger communities, and more resilient local food systems—one small garden at a time.”
A BEAT Roots coordinator added, “Young people are eager to take climate and food issues into their own hands. Working alongside older gardeners gives our students real skills, real relationships, and the sense that they can make a difference right where they live.”
FREE & OPEN TO ALL
About Deep Roots
We’re not just about gardening; we’re about changing the way people grow food. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a full backyard, we’ll help you grow like a pro.
Stay in the loop: Signup for our email newsletter. If you also provide your phone number you will get text message updates that link to our best blog posts.
Get involved: Attend a free workshop, become a volunteer, grab a raised bed, or simply follow along for expert tips. Contact our support team any time you have a question at 708-655-5299 and support@deep-roots-project.org.
Learn. Share. Grow. Volunteer: We invite you to be a part of our sustainable movement right here in our own backyards! We want all our volunteers to have fun and learn while they contribute to expanding the Deep Roots community. We can customize a volunteer assignment to your time, interests and skills. Learn more on our Volunteer page
About BEAT Roots
BEAT Roots is an intergenerational gardening group sponsored by the Oak Park River Forest Township that connects youth, families, and elders through hands-on projects focused on food, climate, and community resilience. By growing together, BEAT Roots cultivates leadership, environmental stewardship, and mutual support across generations.
Look for event announcements on the Oak Park Township Facebook and local community pages, or contact stamp (at) op97.org for more info
