We have a new series starting! This series is all about learning to garden in our area. Please read the following for more information. 

Florida Gardening Classes

Statement of Purpose

“Good food comes from your own hands.” Everyone should have access to the knowledge of how to successfully grow your own food. This gardening series is an introduction for novice gardeners to prepare to get your hands dirty and gain the tools for success. The purpose of the gardening sessions is to prepare you for what comes next in our season with enough time to prepare and plan. Please, join our journey and revolutionize your idea of wholesome food.

These sessions are designed as a lecture series covering different topics regarding home gardening. Each lecture will also provide written materials for you to take home for future reference.

Session Topics

Introduction to Vegetable Gardening.

Date: May 6, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

Join us in the first session of a series of classes focused on vegetable gardening in Central Florida designed for the novice grower. The purpose of this session is to introduce new vegetable gardeners to the concepts and terminology that they will encounter during their new journey. Focusing on Zone 9B we will discuss the Central Florida growing season, plant profiles and growing characteristics, soil basics, fertilization, pest management, and tips to plan your gardening season.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

Understanding Growth: From Seed to Table.

Date: May 13, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

Session two in our gardening series will focus on the growth cycle of plants from seed to table. It will include tips on how to schedule your plantings, what types of vegetables prefer to be started from seed indoors or direct sowed outside, plant families specific space requirements, and what to expect from your harvest. This will also include tips on how to plan a garden space for effective production.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

Plant Nutrition.

Date: May 20, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

Session three in our gardening series will focus on the nutrients necessary for healthy plant development. Topics will focus on the difference between Micro and Macro Nutrients, The N-P-K Ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium), and the Law of Minimum. The discussion will include an overview of organic fertilizer products, the importance of soil testing, application practices, and basics on how to diagnose general nutrient deficiencies.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

Healthy Soil.

Date: May 27, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

Join us for a discussion on the components of healthy soil. Soil is a living ecosystem and understanding the roles that soil structure, Ph, fungus and living organisms play in the health of your plants is important to a successful garden. We will also discuss the importance of soil amendments such as compost, earthworm castings, compost tea, and humic acid.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

Pest Management and Disease Prevention.

Date: June 3, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

In this session we will be discussing organic methods of pest management and disease prevention. Topics will include common Florida pests, common plant diseases and organic management techniques for the home gardener.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

The Nightshade Family: Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants.

Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

In preparation for the upcoming gardening season, this session is designed to prepare you for what to expect from the nightshade family. Each plant has different growth habit, spacing requirements, water requirements, pests, and diseases. We will also discuss the different varieties available to each plant type, focusing on the ones that perform well in our specific zone.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

All About Beans: Snap, Shell, Dry and Specialty.

Date: June 17, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

This discussion will focus on the different types of beans available to home gardeners. We will discuss the difference between bush, pole, and semi-running beans and their planting requirements. We will differentiate the varieties in the legume family including snap, shelling, drying, Romano, yardlong, fava, lima, runner, garbanzo, and Edemame. The processes of inoculant use and nitrogen fixation will be explained and encouraged.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.

The Amaryllidaceae Family: Growing Onions and Garlic in the South.

Date: June 24, 2021
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Teacher: Kathryn

This session will focus on the requirements for growing onions and garlic in the south. The importance of day length hours on crop development will be explained. We will discuss the difference between softneck garlic and hardneck garlic. The differences between short day, intermediate day, and long day onions will be emphasized. Topics will also include the growth cycle, possible pest and disease management, and processing and storage.

Cost: $10 per person

All Classes are limited to 8 people max. – Classes are non-refundable.