This course will guide participants through all the intricate details of organic gardening, focusing on sustainable methods and strategies for growing food while nurturing the soil, environment, and personal well-being.  Each session will include ample time for Q&A to address participants’ specific questions and concerns.  Participants should have at least some gardening experience.  All sessions will be at the instructor’s home:  127 Robinson Road, Sidney 04330.  All sessions are from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Session 1:   Tuesday, March 18th.  Indoors.

Selecting Seeds:  Recommended sources of seeds and supplies.

Garden Planning:  Design strategies, crop rotations and soil testing.

Seed Starting:   germination techniques and growing healthy seedlings.  There will be a demonstration of using the soil block system for seedlings, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic pots.

Session 2:   Tuesday, May 13th.  Outdoors.  (Rain date:  Thursday, 15th.)

Fertilization and soil preparation strategies.

Benefits of mulching, and what materials to use.

Setting up an irrigation system.

Techniques of transplanting and direct seeding.

Insect protection.

Tools.

Session 3:   Tuesday, June 17th.  Outdoors.   (Rain date:  Thursday 19th)

Demonstration of three different composting methods.

Several approaches to trellising tall crops.

Insect and disease control, what to watch for, products to use.

Weed control strategies and tools.

Session 4:   Tuesday, July 22nd.  Outdoors.   (Rain date:  Thursday 24th)

Tour of the established garden.

Open discussion on techniques and strategies.

Extended Q&A to address participant-specific gardening challenges and interests.