Each year people ask us when we plan to teach our gardening classes so here’s what we have planned so far.

First up is our Seed to Supper/Urban Gardener class. Typically, we teach these classes one night a week over a several week period. But we split off the 3 classes that cover growing vegetables in the home garden so we could offer them in a one day class. We have one of these scheduled for Saturday February 11^th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

This class is gear toward first time vegetable gardeners and experienced vegetable gardeners that want to be more successful. We essentially cover everything you need to know to grow vegetables. We start with the dirt on soil by explaining soil nutrients, what they should be and how to get them there. Then we talk about all the different ways there are to grow vegetables from in-ground gardens and raised beds to hydroponic and aquaponic growing strategies. From there we move to everything you should know to select seeds appropriate to our growing area and how to start those seeds indoors prior to the outdoor growing season.

We also cover how to plan out your garden to maximize available space without overcrowding your plants. And then we talk about Integrated Pest Management because one thing is for sure, if you are growing vegetables, something is going to want to eat them before you do. Integrated Pest Management is a strategy to help minimize pest problems before they become an issue. Using these practices, we minimize the need for pesticides which is always a good thing.

In the Seed to Supper/Urban Gardener Classes you will receive a 3-ring binder full of handouts and reference materials to take home and we’ll also provide a pizza lunch for all the attendees. There is a $30 fee for this class and they usually sell out, so if you have an interest, visit our website (www.tulsamastergardeners.org) to get signed up before the available spaces are gone.

Also coming up this year will be our popular Lunch and Learn classes. These classes are taught during the lunch hour at the Tulsa Central Library. This year we are planning on doing the same with the addition of a second set of presentations at the Hardesty Library in South Tulsa.

Presentations will start March 21^st at the Tulsa Central Library and March 23^rd at the Hardesty Library and continue Tuesdays for 6 weeks. Topics covered will include Pollinator Gardens, Container Gardening, Growing Tomatoes, Herb Gardening, Seed Saving Programs, and Houseplants. While this is just a tentative schedule, make note on your calendars and be sure to check back as we get closer for specifics. The Lunch and Learn classes are free and always a good time. Good luck.

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photo: Tom Ingram