Lunch & Learn: Everything Tomatoes

Order lunch and join us for an engaging and informative session all about tomatoes—one of the most beloved and rewarding homegrown crops!

There’s a reason tomatoes are the go-to example of the difference between grocery store produce and fresh from the garden. A ripe tomato right off the vine is one of summer’s greatest treats. Come join Convivium’s Farm Manager, AJ, for this Lunch and Learn that explores all things tomato, from the variety of ways tomatoes are classified to best growing practices, as well as a trip to the garden for a tomato pruning demonstration.

For participants planning to order food to eat during the presentation, please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead to place your order at the coffeeshop counter. Your lunch will then be brought to you in the Learning Center to enjoy while you learn!

Registration is appreciated but not required for this free program.

Instructor and Farm Manager, AJ Shultz, tends our 13,000 plus square feet of gardens. From building healthy soil through harvesting delicious produce, AJ keeps his hands dirty demonstrating the process of growing food to anyone willing to listen. When not in the field, AJ also teaches gardening and composting classes and serves as our garden tour guide. Trust us – you don’t want to miss an opportunity to experience our gardens with him. AJ has been involved in edible and sustainable landscaping and urban gardening most of his adult life. His training and professional background includes working with organic farms and edible landscape organizations in Santa Cruz, California; Huelo, Hawaii; and Margaret River, Australia. An Iowa native, AJ returned to the area in 2011 to raise a family with his wife Kerri, also an Iowa native. They now have two growing daughters, Josey and Marny.