Mar 17, 2025

Young’s Plant Farm Trial Garden adds edible plants

The 2025 Young’s Plant Farm Trial Garden will highlight herbs, vegetables and edible flowering annuals through a new partnership with Auburn University’s Food U. The collaboration integrates sustainable food production into the trial garden, providing hands-on experience for students and employees.

Food U coordinator Jack Maruna will attend the Trial Garden Open House to discuss edible gardening and the impact of the program on Auburn’s campus dining. “This partnership allows students to see the entire process, from cultivation to consumption,” Maruna said.

Attendees can also schedule a tour of the rooftop garden at The Laurel hotel, which supplies fresh produce to the 1856-Culinary Residence and Auburn’s culinary laboratories. This initiative bridges horticulture and hospitality, giving students a deeper understanding of food sourcing and sustainability.