Master gardeners Diane Hyde and Cindy Barnes are offering free gardening workshops in Lyons through OSU Extenstion Service and Linn County Master Garden program.
The workshops are 9 – 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Santiam Community Gardens, 846 Fifth St., Lyons.
All workshops are followed by optional hands-on practice in the garden.
Registration required by calling or texting 503-859-2517 or emailing [email protected]. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed handouts and free gardening items.
Workshops:
Jan. 21: Care and repair of garden tools. Bring your experienced tools for a facelift.
Jan. 28: Pruning grape vines and fruit trees. Demonstration and practice on grape vines and apple trees. In the Garden: Dress warmly with gloves. Shears, loppers and electric saws.
Feb. 4: Planning your personal garden. Create a garden diagram and planting calendar. In the Classroom: Seed swap party at 10:30 a.m. Bring saved seeds to share.
Feb. 11: No local class. There is an “Insights into Gardening” conference at Oregon State University’s Corvallis campus. Carpool for a day of garden talks, plant shopping. Preregistration and fee required online.
Feb. 18: Starting seeds and understanding plant needs. Successful seed germination and transplanting. Indoor temperature and lighting control on a budget. In the Greenhouse: Starting seedlings of early cool crops. Free pots, compost, seeds.
Feb. 25: Preparing soil for planting. Soil pH, texture and nutrient testing, amendment. Raised beds, mulching. Free tools, testing supplies and wood chip mulch.
March 4: No local class. “Beevent Pollinator Conference” in Albany from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Effects of changing climate on plants and pollinators. Carpool. Preregistration and fee required
March 11: Weather watching and work scheduling. Extending the growing season, time management in the garden, succession planting. In the Garden: Plant early crops. Free vegetable starts, plant markers, row covers, and gauges.
Saturday workshops through May will focus on timely gardening topics. Summer topics include harvesting and food preservation.
