The Knox County Master Gardeners hosted an Introduction to Vegetable Gardening Class and Interactive Workshop at Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18.
Alliance CEO Chris Battle opened the class with a moving and insightful introduction, sharing what first sparked his passion for addressing food insecurity in East Knoxville. He reflected on how that passion led to his first project, Battlefield Farm, and how he and his late friend—and former Pastor of Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church—Richard S. Brown Jr. worked together to establish the community garden on the Church property.
The class covered the basic principles of vegetable gardening, including a seed packet reading activity, and participants received informational handouts to help them design and plan their summer gardens. During the second hour, the group walked across the parking lot to the Brown Community Garden, named in honor of Pastor Brown, where they held a Q&A session with Alliance Garden Manager Emily Brewer.
This event was a meaningful partnership between the Alliance, Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, and the Knox County Master Gardeners. Collaborations like these strengthen local food systems, empower residents with practical skills, and cultivate lasting connections that help communities thrive.
