Gardening Classes

This summer I want to start a garden. I have already planted several blackberry and raspberry bushes thanks to Gordon and Gerri...THANK YOU!!! Here is a gardening workshop schedule for the Kansas City area. I for sure will be at several of these classes and can't wait. Thanks for the info Diana!

2009 Workshop Schedule

All workshops are held at Kansas City Community Gardens from 12Noon until 1:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified. Please call for reservations.
6917 Kensington
Kansas City , MO 64132
(816) 931-3877
contact@kccg.org

February 13 (Friday)

Starting Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet potatoes are easy to grow and are extremely nutritious. Learn how to start your own sweet potato slips (plants) to plant in your garden and how to grow and harvest a great sweet potato crop. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director

February 27 (Friday)

Vegetable Garden Basics

This workshop is perfect for first-time vegetable gardeners and intermediate gardeners! Learn all about growing a great vegetable garden including preparing, planting, maintaining and harvesting. Presented by Ben Sharda, KCCG Executive Director

March 6 (Friday)

Growing Berries in Your Garden

Berry bushes fit easily into the backyard landscape and are easier to grow than tree fruits. Learn how to select, plant and grow berry bushes. Presented by Ben Sharda, KCCG Executive Director

March 7 (Saturday) 10:30 – Noon

“ Schoolyard Gardens ” – How to Make Your School’s Garden a Success

If your school already has a vegetable garden or is considering one, come and learn how to make it a success. You’ll also learn about KCCG’s “ Schoolyard Gardens ” program and the resources, tips and tools it can provide, Presented by Andrea Mathew, Schoolyard Gardens Coordinator and Ben Sharda, Executive Director.

March 13 (Friday)

Planting seeds, Mulching, & Fertilizing

We get many, many questions about these three important areas of garden culture. Come and learn when and how to plant seeds, mulch and fertilize your garden. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director

March 20 (Friday)

Growing Home Grown Tomatoes

Everyone wants to have great tomatoes and now you can! Learn how to have success with tomatoes and learn the differences between hybrid tomatoes and heirloom varieties. Timing, cultural practices and variety selection are some of the keys to tomato success. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director

March 25 (Wednesday)

Rain Barrel Workshop

Create your own rain barrel to take home with you at the end of the class. Put it at the bottom of one of your downspouts, add a garden hose and you can water your vegetable garden from the rainwater you catch! All materials and instruction provided in this class. $45 fee for materials. We must have 20 participants for this class to be held. Presented by Beau Baker from Bridging the Gap. For Frequently Asked Questions about this project, go to www.bridgingthegap.org.

April 10 (Friday)

Raised Bed Gardening

Raised bed gardens have lots of advantages including: 1. more production 2. better drainage and 3. easier garden maintenance. Learn how to build, plant and maintain your raised bed garden. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director

April 17 (Friday)

Growing Winter Squash

Winter Squash are nutritious and versatile but are challenging to grow. Learn how to grow winter squash and how to deal with their inevitable insect problems. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director

April 24 (Friday)

Vegetable Garden Basics

This workshop is perfect for first-time vegetable gardeners and intermediate gardeners! Learn all about growing a great vegetable garden including preparing, planting, maintaining and harvesting. Presented by Ben Sharda, KCCG Executive Director

June 5 (Friday)

Storing your Harvest.

Learn how to store your fruits and vegetables to keep them in good shape and tasting fresh. This workshop will also provide information regarding the pros and cons of canning, freezing and drying to preserve your produce. Presented by Susan Mills-Gray, University of Missouri Extension Service

June 12 (Friday)

Watering Your Garden

Proper watering is extremely important to having a good garden. Learn when (and when not) to water your vegetable garden, as well as how much water your vegetable garden needs. Presented by Ben Sharda, KCCG Executive Director

June 26 (Friday)

Insects in the Garden

Some insects can ruin your garden harvest and some will help your garden grow. Learn how to identify garden pests and beneficial insects. Learn how to safely control problem insects. Presented by Mary Roduner, Children’s Garden Coordinator

July 11 (Saturday) 10:00am

Herb Walk

Basic garden herbs are easy to grow. Take a stroll through our Beanstalk Children’s Garden and get tips on how to grow, harvest and use herbs. Learn how to preserve herbs by freezing and drying. Presented by Mary Roduner, Children’s Garden Coordinator

July 24 (Friday)

Fall Vegetable Gardening

You can plant cool season vegetables in July and August for a great fall vegetable harvest, but timing and planting techniques are tricky. This workshop will discuss what vegetables to plant for fall and how and when to plant them. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director

August 14 (Friday)

Extending the Garden Season

If you have ever wanted to plant earlier in the spring and have your garden last longer in the fall, come and learn how about useful techniques and materials/equipment to extend your vegetable gardening season. Presented by Ben Sharda, KCCG Executive Director

October 9 (Friday)

Composting and Putting your Garden to Bed for the Winter

Every garden needs more organic matter to enrich the soil. Learn how to change your yard and garden waste into useful compost. Discussion will also include information on how to prepare your vegetable garden bed for winter. Presented by John Williams, KCCG Program Director