Participants will learn how to follow a seed starting calendar to identify the ideal dates for starting cool season crops such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, cilantro, lettuce, and many more! Guidance for setting up grow lights, selecting a soil mix, watering and tips and tricks for successful germination and plant growth will be reviewed. This workshop will demonstrate how to use plastic cells and trays as containers for seed starting.
Workshop facilitated by Angela deBettencourt. Angela brings six years growing vegetables at the farm scale and another four growing at the garden scale. For the past four years, she has taught VGN’s six-month gardening course, the Thriving Gardens Course, sharing her expertise on bed prep, soil health, and seed starting with course participants.
Participants will learn how to follow a seed starting calendar to identify the ideal dates for starting warm season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, basil, zinnias, cucumbers, and many more! Guidance for setting up grow lights, selecting a soil mix, watering and tips and tricks for successful germination and plant growth will be reviewed. This workshop will demonstrate how to use soil blocks as a plastic-free alternative to commonly used cells and trays.
Workshop facilitated by Cedar Schiewetz. Cedar is a longtime educator with a passion for gardening and the outdoors. They enjoy connecting people with information that will help them live healthy lives.
Participants will gain an understanding of soil health through ecological practices to build nutrient-rich, living soil as the foundation for a thriving garden. We will discuss various bed prep techniques and how they impact soil health e.g. minimal tillage using a broadfork & tilther versus deep tillage using a rototiller or long handled hoe. Participants will receive guidance on taking and analyzing laboratory soil testing as well as simple tests you can do at home to assess soil texture and composition. To complete the workshop we will discuss compost application rates, as well as concentrated organic fertilizers to make sure your beds are prepared for a productive season.
Workshop facilitated by Angela deBettencourt. Angela brings six years growing vegetables at the farm scale and another four growing at the garden scale. For the past four years, she has taught VGN’s six-month gardening course, the Thriving Gardens Course, sharing her expertise on bed prep, soil health, and seed starting with course participants.