Better gardening can start in the classroom

Thu., March 26, 2015

There are a number of gardening classes and events coming up in the area between now and mid-May.

First, the Washington State University Spokane County Master Gardeners are wrapping up early spring classes and have three more opportunities to hone your knowledge. This Saturday they are teaching Growing Perennials (9 a.m. to noon) and Growing Herbs (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.). Both classes will give you a good understanding about the growing conditions the plants need and some of the Master Gardeners’ favorite varieties. Both classes are at the WSU Extension Office, 222 N. Havana St. Cost is $12 for each class. Register online at www.mgfsc.org/2015_Spring _Classes.html.

The Master Gardeners will wrap up a spring series with a class on Home Greenhouses from 9 a.m. to noon April 18. Home-based greenhouses come in all sizes and shapes and are a great way to start seedlings early and protect plants from frosts at either end of the season. Again the class is $12 and is at the WSU Extension Office. You can register online at the link above.

On April 25, the Master Gardeners will host the annual Spring Garden Fair. This is always a great event to do some serious plant, garden art and collectibles shopping. Among the treasures will be lots of good gardening information and displays. The free event runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WSU Extension Office. Bring your truck and load up with goodies.

The 15th annual Garden Expo will be May 9 at Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. in Spokane. This year’s theme is “Four Seasons Gardening – Happy Everything!” The Garden Expo, which runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature exotic specialty plants, one-of-a-kind garden art, garden accessories and décor, lectures, door prizes and children’s activities. Admission and parking are free.

For those interested in small scale farming or serious about growing a really big vegetable garden, the WSU Spokane County Small Farm program in cooperation with the Spokane Conservation District and SCC will be teaching a Vegetable Cropping class at SCC starting April 7 and running Tuesdays through June 16. The course is geared toward market gardeners and serious home gardeners. Topics will include field and soil preparation, in-depth information on student selected vegetable varieties, water management, pest and weed management and marketing to the direct and wholesale market. Courses will include one field trip.

The course will be taught by Jeremy Cowan, WSU Spokane County Extension regional horticultural specialist.

Tractor and Implement Selection Use and Maintenance will be on Wednesdays, April 8 through May 13. Students will learn the function, selection and maintenance of a variety of small-scale tractors and farm implements. The class will be a mix of classroom and hands-on learning.

Tuition for each Small Farm course is $125. Veterans with a DD214 are eligible for a $75 scholarship. To register go to: www.campusce.net/ spokane/configuration/ spokane/content/CWCEinside.pdf.

Pat Munts is the co-author of Northwest Gardener’s Handbook with Susan Mulvihill. Munts has gardened in Spokane Valley for more than 35 years. She can be reached at pat@inlandnwgardening .com.