February 12th-Starting a Garden from Scratch with MGV Donna DeSousa

February 19th- Native Plants for your Garden with MGV Donna DeSousa

February 26th- Seed Starting with MGV Donna DeSousa

March 5th- Vegetable Gardening with Horticulture Educator Kristen Ossmann

Program Overview:

The Green Gardener Program is a non- credit, adult education program offered to environmentally minded garden enthusiasts, from the novice to the well experienced gardener who is looking for a little review.

Learning Objectives and Student Outcomes:

The Green Gardener Program is based on the latest science- based information from Cornell University, providing students with a practical approach to gardening and environmental stewardship. Taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Educators and Master Gardeners, this series of lecture presentations and interactive assignments offers an in-depth, environmentally focused educational experience that will prepare students to create a healthy and thriving garden of their own.

Course Descriptions:

Starting a Garden from Scratch-

You can create the garden of your dreams; it’s easier than you think. This class will help you start a garden that delivers fresh, home-grown vegetables, welcomes pollinators and provides beauty and color all year long. You will learn inspirational tips and techniques on starting a garden, site and soil preparation, plant selection and year round maintenance.

Native Plants for your Garden-

Explore the benefits of native plants and how to incorporate these wonderful plants into your garden. Growing native plants will grace the garden with spring, summer and fall beauty, while supporting the local ecosystem by attracting local birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Explore the vast array of native plants that are suitable for all your garden conditions.

Seed Starting- Seeds are marvelous little packages of plants just waiting to grow up in your garden. This presentation will discuss how and when to start seeds indoors and out and how to successfully nurture your seedlings to grow into thriving healthy plants.

Vegetable Gardening

Learn how to maximize the space you have to grow organic vegetables and fruits through-out the seasons. This class will cover seed and plant selection, organic fertilizers, vertical growing, container growing, succession, and companion planting and more.