Organic Vegetable Gardening Classes 2022: Zoom

TWO WAYS TO ATTEND!

• On Zoom: Thursdays, February 3 Through April 14
• In Person: Saturdays March 26 and April 23

Thursdays 2/3/22 – 4/14/22 on Zoom:

Organic Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific NW

Growing your own food is not only good for you, but fun! Learn the basics and more in this course designed for all levels of gardeners.

Whether you’re new to vegetable gardening, or just want to sharpen your skills, you will learn something new in this series of classes taught by WSU Master Gardeners. Growing food in their own gardens, as well as in Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens has given them experience with all of the common crops and problems, as well as some of the more unusual.

Classes will be held on Zoom on Thursday evenings from February 3rd through April 14th. Classes will begin at 6:30 PM and end at 8:30 PM. Each class is $10 , or $5 for WSU Master Gardeners.

There will be two additional in-person classes. Saturday, March 26th will cover composting and vermicomposting. Saturday, April 23rd will be on cover crops, mulches, and irrigation techniques. You can get more information and register for them here: https://bit.ly/2022vegsats

Register for 6 or more classes and we will send you a copy of the “Maritime NW Garden Guide”, published by Tilth Alliance ($24 value). It’s filled with monthly tips, plant lists, and charts for our local conditions to keep you on track all year. The books will be mailed at the end of the series. Each attendee will also receive the link to a Google drive with additional articles and support materials.

Here is the schedule of topics:

Thursday, February 3: Soil Science

• Plant needs
• Soil description and functions
• What makes good soil and how to protect it
• The soil food web
• Soil nutrients and pH
• Organic matter
• Soil testing

Thursday, February 10: Planning the Garden

• Garden location considerations
• Sun exposure and garden soil
• What to grow and when to plant it
• Different planting methods
• Crop rotation
• After the harvest
• Keeping Records

Thursday, February 17: Seeding and Planting

• What you need to know about seeds
• Starting your plants from seed
• Transplanting
• Direct seeding

Thursday, February 24: Common Pests & Diseases

• Basic principles of Integrated Pest Management
• Pest and disease identification
• Preventative and therapeutic organic control of pests and diseases

Thursday, March 3: Plant Families-Quirks and Idiosyncrasies Part 1

Details about growing:

• Apiaceae (Carrot) Family
• Brassicaceae (Cabbage) Family
• Cucurbitaceae (Squash) Family

Thursday, March 10: Plant Families-Quirks and Idiosyncrasies Part 2

Details about growing:

• Solanaceae (Tomato) Family
• Amaranthaceae (Beet) Family
• Fabaceae (Bean) Family

Thursday, March 24: Plant Families-Quirks and Idiosyncrasies Part 3, and Fertilizing

Details about growing:

• Asteraceae (Lettuce) Family
• Alliaceae (Onion) Family
• Corn

• Organic fertilizing products, methods for use
• Timing and application of fertilizers

Thursday, March 31: Pollinators and other Beneficial Insects

• What are beneficial insects and why do we love them?
• Common beneficial insects in the PNW
• Predators, parasitoids and pollinators
• Non-insect beneficial animals
• Encouraging beneficial creatures: Habitat, food, water

Thursday, April 7: Edible Perennials

• Design and planning for perennial food plants
• Incorporating edible perennials into an established vegetable garden
• Basic care of herbs, berries, asparagus, artichokes, and other more “permanent” food planting

Thursday, April 14: The Four Season Harvest

• Choosing a winter garden site
• Basic botany for the Four-Season Gardener
• Choosing the right crops
• Planting and harvesting timetables
• Adding fall/winter crops to the rotation plan
• Season extension and weather protection

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact the Extension office at 345 6th Street, Suite 550, Bremerton, WA 98337 360-228-7300 at least two weeks prior to the event.