Sow 2 Grow Experience Is Designed for Teens with Disabilities
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, is excited to announce the return of a fun-filled summer program for youth 13 years of age through high school who have disabilities. Registration is now open for the three-week Sow 2 Grow level 1 – basic program, which begins in June.
Sow 2 Grow is a socially engaging experience that features a variety of fun gardening activities for teens with disabilities. Sessions are presented in a safe and welcoming environment.
In this work-ready skills program, youth learn independent decision-making as well as how to work together as a team. Using plant-based activities, youth feel a sense of purpose while learning employment skills and appropriate social skills for the workplace.
The program is held in a natural, non-judgmental, structured environment that uses people-plant connections as a foundation to improve the well-being of the whole person. Sow 2 Grow also helps to develop skills that work best for everyone in managing stressful situations using nature.
“This program is the highlight of my year. I love getting to work with teens who have disabilities and helping them learn about horticulture and careers,” says Derrick Stowell, UT Gardens education and horticultural therapy program administrator. Stowell has been working with youth in the Knoxville area since 2006 and has developed numerous programs for the UT Gardens including founding its horticultural therapy program, which serves people as diverse as senior citizens, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and individuals with physical and behavioral health challenges. Stowell is an internationally recognized horticultural therapist who is registered through the American Horticultural Therapy Association and also a certified therapeutic recreation specialist.
“We’re pleased to offer Sow 2 Grow to area youth. Our surveys of past participants and their parents have found this program to be a unique summer experience for families who have children with disabilities,” Stowell adds.
This year’s Sow 2 Grow level 1 – basic program takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays from June 9 through June 27, 2025, with a half-day option also available. The registration deadline is April 27. More information, including cost, can be found online at tiny.utk.edu/sowtogrow.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.