Starting Veggies and Herbs from Seed

This Saturday is one of my favorite classes, starting veggies and herbs from seed. Starting your own garden from seed rather than buying transplants can save a lot of money and open up whole new worlds of varieties to try that you'll never find already started for you. Believe it or not, the time to start broccoli and cauliflower from seed for the fall is in August! Then they can be transplanted out in mid -September when the nights cool down again. I hope you can make it out to the Market on Saturday at 10:30am to learn an essential skill for the home garden!

This Saturday's Garden Class

Lettuce growing in July with no irrigation!

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a Water Conservation Workshop at Millberg Farm in Kyle. Tim Miller has been growing certified organic vegetables and trees for 23 years relying only on rainwater for irrigation. He was kind enough to invite people out to his farm to share his techniques with us. At Monument Garden Class this Saturday I'll share with you some of the things I learned at this workshop. I hope you'll join us at 10:30 am in the Market!

Rainwater Harvesting Class this Saturday 7/14

Rain water is one of most precious resources here in Central Texas. Last summer's drought convinced many that in order to move towards a more sustainable future we need to rethink how we use water. This Saturday, July 14th,  Bill Marsh will be joining us as a guest teacher for the Monument Garden Class to go over the basics of designing and installing a rainwater harvesting system for your home. Class is at 10:30am and is free. Join us!

July Gardening Classes

The heat is here and rain is sparse. It is the perfect time of year to focus on water wise gardening. This Saturday we will not be having gardening class because I'll be taking a class myself. Tim Miller of Millburg Farm in Kyle is hosting a Water Conservation Workshop this Saturday. Tim is a Certified Organic grower who has been growing vegetables and trees without well or city water for 23 years. I can't wait to get a chance to pick his brain. Later in the month I'll be passing on what I learn at this workshop to you at Monument Garden Class. Here is the full schedule for July:

July 7th - No class to allow Michelle to attend the Water Conservation Workshop at Millburg Farm in Kyle.
July 14th - Rainwater Harvesting with Bill Marsh - Learn how to build a rainwater catchment system at home!
July 21st - Lessons from the Water Conservation Workshop at Millburg Farm
July 28th - Starting Veggies and Herbs from Seed

All classes are Saturdays at 10:30 in the Market and are free. See you there!

Companion Planting Class this Saturday 6/30

plant marigolds near your tomatoes to dispel pests

Most home gardeners are trying to grow a lot in a small space. Knowing what plants to keep close and what to separate can increase the health and vigor of a biodiverse garden. Based both in folk wisdom and science, the art of companion planting is a valuable skill for the experienced and novice gardener alike. Join us this Saturday, 6/30 in the Market at 10:30 to learn more!

Beneficial Insect Class this Saturday

Lady Bug Nymphs keeping aphids in check on dill in the Monument Garden

Knowing how to identify, encourage, and care for beneficial insects is one of the keys to successful organic pest control. Saturday, June 23rd at 10:30am we'll be talking about the good guys in your garden. Monument Market Garden Classes are free and open to the public. Hope to see you there!

All About Weeds

Weeding can be one of the most time consuming projects in an organic garden or landscape. This Saturday, June 16th at 10:30am we'll be discussing how to manage common weeds, what they say about your soil, and talk about potential uses for them. Remember a weed is just a flower out of place! Many of them are edible, medicinal, or useful in some way. Hopefully this class will help shine a bit more of a positive light on some of our uninvited garden guests.