Learn how to grow your own food May 2-3 at the Edible Plant Sale

Whether you're a master gardener, an enthusiastic novice or somewhere in between the two on the green thumb continuum, check out Seattle Tilth's Edible Plant Sale, May 2 and 3 at Wallingford's Meridian Park.

With First Lady Michelle Obama digging up the White House lawn to plant an organic garden, there's renewed enthusiasm around the country for growing food at home. Personally speaking, I find gardening -- along with the twinge of pride at the results -- one of the world's best stress relievers.

"People want to grow their own food because it gives them a feeling of accomplishment with tangible rewards, like fresh greens for your salad," says Seattle Tilth executive director Andrea Platt Dwyer.

"If you learn some gardening basics about what plants need and how to build healthy soil, then you can actually save money in your food budget, too. Plus, you tend to eat better."

According to Seattle Tilth's Liza Burke, the Edible Plant Sale offers one of the largest selections of organically and sustainably grown vegetable plants with an eye toward those that thrive in our mild maritime climate.

"We hand-select locally grown plants that will perform well in the Pacific Northwest," she says. "This includes over 50 varieties of tomatoes and 20 varieties of peppers, rare and heirloom veggie varieties, and an extensive selection of culinary herbs and edible flowers."

Gardening experts will be on hand to provide free presentations and compost demonstrations. Other highlights include children's activities, a Q&A booth and several fee-based classes, including "1, 2, 3 Grow a Garden" and "Container Veggie Gardening."