Contact: Brad Cochran (304) 541-3301 bcochran2@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Preparing gardeners for the spring season is the focus of a new series of workshops hosted by West Virginia State University Extension Service at the Barnett Center in Huntington. The series targets backyard gardeners, as well as groups looking to establish community gardens for kids and seniors.
“Community gardens are wonderful for uniting residents to work together toward achieving a common goal,” said Melissa Stewart, extension specialist for Agriculture & Natural Resources. “With this series, we want to shed light on the possibilities for community, youth and adaptive gardens in Huntington, as well as reach the at-home gardener looking to improve their skills.”
The courses will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on the following dates: · Site Selection and Preparation – Feb. 28 · Garden Design and Plant Spacing – March 14 · Plant Selection and Growing Techniques – March 28 · Raised Beds and Container Gardening – April 11 · Insect and Disease Management – April 25
Instruction will include information on projects targeted toward multiple age groups, such as school-based youth projects and accessible gardens for seniors. Participants can tour a youth garden near the Barnett Center implemented by the SCRATCH Project, a sustainable agriculture initiative led by WVSU Extension Service.
Each workshop costs $5. To register, contact Brad Cochran at (304) 541-3301 or bcochran2@wvstateu.edu. The Barnett Center is located at 1524 10th Avenue in Huntington.