Ohio State University Extension and Local Matters are collaborating on a series of free gardening workshops through mid-June.
The workshops cover a variety of topics, from extending the growing season by using hoop houses and cold frames to planning and seeding a garden.
All except the Feb. 11-12 weekend workshop are to take place at Godman Guild, 303 E. 6th St., Columbus. Participants are asked to reserve a spot by calling Cole Wardell at (614) 263-5662 or emailing cwardell@local-matters.org.
Workshops include:
Feb. 11-12, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., "Growing Communities." Participants are to gain skills and strategies to work with the most important aspect of gardens - people. Attendees are to learn proven strategies to build dynamic leaders and create strong gardening programs, using a participatory approach to community building.
Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to noon, "Grow Year-Round: Hoop Houses, Low Tunnels and Cold Frames." Participants are to learn a wide range of methods to grow food and herbs year-round.
March 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., "Planning and Seeding Your Garden." Join Pam Bennett of OSU Extension for essential garden planning tips and learn how to grow seedlings. Attendees will receive free seeds.
March 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., "Fruits and Berries." Learn the basics of fruit tree growing and care, and ways to include healthy berries in meals. Participants also are to learn about the best sources to purchase fruit trees and berries in Ohio.
April 21, 10 a.m. to noon, "Mushrooms!" Join the owners of Green Edge Gardens to learn how to grow mushrooms from start to finish.
May 19, 9 a.m. to noon, "Irrigating Urban Gardens." Larry Brown and Angelica Huerta from OSU are to lead a hands-on workshop on building irrigation systems that allow gardeners to grow higher-yielding crops with less labor.
June 2, 10 a.m. to noon, "Water Harvesting: Methods, Care, and Resources." Local experts the Rain Brothers are to talk about programs for discounted or free rain barrels, how to care for rain barrels and cisterns, winterization and other tips.
June 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., "Building and Testing Soil." A portion of the workshop is to be devoted to reading participants' individual soil tests. Leaders are to determine the types and amounts of soil amendments to balance and enhance the soil.
