Five Town Adult Ed: THINK SPRING, THINK GARDEN

Five Town Adult Ed: THINK SPRING, THINK GARDEN
Editor: David Mills

Rockport, ME - We may still get a spring snow shower but at Five Town CSD Adult Ed the focus is on gardening! You can get a jump on the season by starting seeds at home, plan a garden of storage crops, learn how to grow your own organic garden, and discover how to compost. Perhaps you have some fruit trees you’d like to know how to prune or a lawn that needs some help getting and staying green without toxic chemicals. Here are the classes starting in March and April (unless noted, all are at Camden Hills Regional High School):

Tomato Seed Starting
This class will teach tips and tricks for successful tomato – and other Solanaceae family members like eggplant and peppers – starting and growing.  Seedlings can be easily grown at home with materials you already have on hand.  Join us and get some ideas on how to grow your best tomatoes ever. 1 night 6:00-7:30 p.m. Class Wed 3/21

Lush Lawns without Chemicals
Just because weed and insect controls can be bought at a store doesn't mean they are safe. We can help you reduce the use of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides and still have a green lush lawn! 1 day 12:00-1:00 p.m. Class Wed 3/28 YMCA Teen Center

Composting for the Home
Two experienced composters will present a wide range of home composting methods, assisted by a 17-minute video and extensive handouts.  The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period to address the needs of the audience, whether you are a beginner or an experienced composter.  Information on compost bins for purchase will also be available. 1 night 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Class Wed 3/28
Pruning Fruit Trees

Come and learn the in's and out's of pruning fruit trees.  Why do we need to prune?  When do we prune?  What tools do we need?  What can we do to save that old apple tree in the backyard?  All of these questions, and more, will be discussed. Bring your pruning tools to help prune a tree or two.  This class is at Hope Orchards; for directions go to www.hopeorchards.com. 1 day 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Class 3/24 Hope Orchards

Grow a Garden of Storage Crops
This class will examine how you can grow and store enough produce for the winter.  You will learn which vegetables store best, how much of each vegetable to grow, how to grow these crops, and how to store them.  We will also discuss succession planting and interplanting to ensure continuous and long-term vegetable production, even if you only have one small garden. 1 night 6:00-7:30 p.m. Class Tues 4/3
Grow Your Own Organic Garden
Do you want to know how to grow your own vegetables in a sustainable manner?  Come to this workshop and learn how to enrich your soil to produce healthy, high-yielding plants. The course will cover the basics of making and using compost, the principles of crop rotation and how to incorporate green manures and manage nutrients in the garden. 1 night   6:00-9:00 p.m.   Class Wed 4/4  

Starting Seeds
Growing your own seedlings is a wonderful way to begin the gardening season. In this class you will learn when to start which seeds and when to transplant them.  Hands-on demonstrations, with supplies and seeds to start several early varieties will be provided compliments of the Garden Institute.  Bring your own seeds if you have them and want specific advice; bring catalogues if you haven’t ordered your seeds yet and want some help with that. Be prepared to get your hands in the dirt and have fun! 1 night 6:00-7:30 p.m. Class Tues 4/10

Best of all, these courses are taught by experienced local gardeners who can answer any questions you might have.

For more information or to register call Five Town CSD Adult Ed at 236-7800, ext. 5, or visit fivetowns.maineadulted.org.