Penn State Master Gardeners are offering a Winter Gardening Series of how-to topics for area gardeners on four Thursday evenings in February, at the Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township. All classes will be held in the Ag Center Auditorium, from 7-9 p.m.
“Spring will be here before we know it,” said Beth Finlay, Coordinator for the Master Gardener Program in Berks County. “The Winter Gardening Series is a chance to jump-start the garden season, hone skills, learn new techniques, and incorporate new practices.”
On Feb. 5, Master Gardeners will present Pruning Woody Ornamental Plants, with a presentation of basic pruning principles, as well as hands-on practice, to address both the art and the science of keeping woody plants healthy and attractive.
The Feb. 12 topic will be Novel Ways to Grow Vegetables, exploring new vegetable varieties, lesser-known techniques, and adaptation of old favorites to new spaces. This class will be of value to beginner or experienced vegetable growers.
On Feb. 19, Taking the Mystery out of Seed-Starting will demonstrate how to start vegetable, herb, and flower seeds at home. Participants will learn how to choose the best seeds for their needs, how to interpret information on seed packets, how to promote good germination, how to fertilize and water effectively, and how to prepare tender seedlings to go outdoors.
At the last session, Feb. 26, a primer on Garden Soils and Backyard Composting will provide a brief discussion of the importance of the soil as the basis of success with any plant, from turfgrass to oak trees, vegetables, fruits, annuals or perennials. Then Master Gardeners will demonstrate simple, effective methods of composting at home to convert already available materials to the “black gold” that is an ideal amendment for improving your soil. Tips and techniques will benefit both new and experienced composters. Compost bins will be available to attendees completing this class for a cost.
Participants may choose individual classes or may register for the whole series. Class sizes are limited to permit hands-on learning and time for discussion.
Registration is required, with a class fee per person per class, or all four classes for cost. Registration information can be requested from the Berks County Extension office, 610 378-1327 or viewed online at http://berksextension.psu.edu/
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 610-378-1327 in advance of your participation or visit.
