Daniel Prince
Classes are offered February 18, March 18, and April 1
Sanders Garden Center will be hosting a three-part Veggie Gardening Course this year. The course will be hosted by Laura Fernandez from Front Yard Foods, who calls herself The Veggie Chick. Joye Ivey talks about how she met Fernandez:
(audio below story)
The first course will be this Saturday, February 18, from 2-4 p.m. It will be on developing a garden and starting seeds. In the course, they will explore your “why” for gardening; zones, climates, and growing seasons; spring and summer crops; setting goals and realistic expectations; direct sowing vs. starting seeds indoors; what you need and what problems you may face if you start seeds indoors; understanding heirloom, organic, hybrid, and open pollinated seeds; and hardening off and proper transplanting.
The second class will be Saturday, March 18, from 2-4 p.m. It will be on understanding soil needs, amendments, and preparing beds. Topics will include soil vs. dirt; compost: what to know and how to start; soil amendments; fertilizers, compost, and worm castings; proper soil for raised beds and in-ground spaces; and amending soil and beds for transition between crops and seasons.
The third and final class is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, from 2-4 p.m. It will be on maintaining and harvesting the garden. Topics will include: common problems in the garden; pest pressure; weeds and diseases; organic pesticide solutions; mulching and watering needs; best tools for the job; proper harvesting time and techniques for storage; and recipes and tips on how to use your harvest.
The cost for the courses are $55 each or $150 for all three. The full cost includes Clyde’s Garden Planner and a binder for handouts. Sign up at Sanders Garden Center, or call 427-3367.