Local workshops offer gardeners basic skills

By Scott Nicholson

Local gardeners can grow their skills with a series of workshops through the local branch of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

The workshops are free and are designed to help people grow their own vegetables and save on their grocery bills while enjoying healthy, fresh food. The workshops will be led by extension agents Meghan Baker and Richard Boylan.

On Monday, April 20, the workshop leaders address common problems and challenges such as weeds, insects and disease, offering sustainable solutions.

The workshop concludes on Monday, April 27, with information on harvesting, succession plantings, and using cover crops to protect and replenish soil.

All classes are from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration for the series can be made by calling (828) 264-3061.

The annual Report to the People is scheduled for April 20 at 11: 45 a.m., with local officials hearing updates from extension agents on programs and activities of the past year.

Other upcoming agricultural events include an Intro to Gardening kick-off at 6 p.m. on April 20 and “What to Grow and How Can You Plant?” at 10 a.m. on April 25. Pick-up for plants sold through the 4-H Fruit Plant Sale is April 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All events are at the Agricultural Conference Center at 252 Poplar Grove Road in Boone.