Spring is here! Now it’s time to get ready for the upcoming growing season.
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is once again partnering with the Minnehaha Master Gardeners to bring you the Vegetable Gardening 101 class series. Set yourself up for a successful vegetable garden! Begin with the plentiful answers from Minnehaha Master Gardeners, Jerry Mills and Sarah Linneman. Together, you will get your hands dirty and learn a comprehensive foundation of vegetable gardening.
The classes are free, though you do need to register if you plan to attend. Take a look at what we have coming up! Register for one, two, three, or all four sessions on Eventbrite.
Vegetable Gardening 101 Series: Session 1: The DIRT
April 2nd from 6:00-7:30pm
How big does a garden have to be to support 2 people? Make a garden that will feed your troop, and not tax your enthusiasm. Discover how to find the right spot, based on soil, sun, drainage and proximity to the good and the bad. Learn why tilling in the fall is so helpful. Learn how to test your soil, and then how to effect changes that will make healthier plants.
Vegetable Gardening 101 Series: Session 2: The PLOT
April 9th from 6:00-7:30pm
In this session, break down the options of what to plant, and when. Get tips on ways to save space by planting “up” or “out.” Ask yourself if you want a Salad Garden or a Salsa Garden, or a Storage Garden. Learn which vegetables tolerate heat, and which are cool season “A” vegetables. There will be specific info on planting in small spaces and for choosing seeds that produce the healthiest varieties, with lots of specific recommendations. Also, find out what makes a HYBRID or HEIRLOOM and why you might want them.
Vegetable Gardening 101 Series: Session 3: Too Mulch H2O
April 16th from 6:00-7:30pm
Think you know how to water? Can you water at night? Should the leaves get wet? How much water do you plants need each week? Why should you water under your mulch? And about mulch…What is it, really? You will find out what its function is, and how to maximize its benefits based on your plant’s needs. It can be organic in many forms, but also inorganic, as in plastic sheeting.
Getting a handle on watering and taking advantage of the benefits of mulch will go a long way in ensuring your vegetable garden’s success.
Vegetable Gardening 101 Series: Session 4: What could possibly go wrong!?
April 23rd from 6:00-7:30pm
During this week you will be presented with ways to deal with infestations of insects and diseases that can happen in any garden. Gain expertise to prepare you, and make sure you know the best way to find help. Healthy plants also benefit from fertilizers, and you’ll get a base of understanding about what your plants need from the soil, and how to balance the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they crave.
