Education Series - February 2013

SEED STARTING & COLD FRAME CONSTRUCTION Sunday, February 10, 2-4pm

Bloomingfoods East Garden Center Patio Room, 3220 East Third Street • 812-336-5400

Chris Bobbitt, of the Bloomingfoods East Garden Center staff, will help you start seeds and learn how to build a cold frame, in this FREE workshop offered at the Bloomingfoods East Patio Room. The photo here, by Evan Bobbitt, is of Chris during one of his workshops on bird feeding.

FERMENTATION, FRUGAL AND FABULOUS

Tuesday, February 12, 7-8:30pm

Monroe County Public Library, 303 East Kirkwood Avenue

Back by popular demand! Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, sourdough, kim chi, beer, pickles, kombucha and more! Fermentation is a great way to preserve food, and a method which generally requires no special equipment and no electricity or heat--just a little human energy and time. What’s more, fermenting often increases the nutritional value of the food while enhancing the flavor. Join Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and MCPL’s "It’s Your Money" for a journey into the world of fermented foods. The workshop includes a hands-on fermentation activity and participants will take a jar of fermenting food home with them.

To register, contact Sarah Bowman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 812-349-3228.

GROWING BRAMBLES FOR THE HOME GARDEN • Monday, February 18 & Wednesday,

February  20 (2 sessions), 6:30-8:30pm

Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 East 10th Street

Growth, Production and Pruning for the Highest Yields

Keith Uridel, M.S. covers brambles (including both summer- and fall-bearing raspberries and blackberries), their preferred soil types, planting styles, and amendment and light requirements. Fertility management, pest control, foliar feeding and pruning for high production will be discussed. Keith will also relate his experience with container growing of certain raspberry cultivars.

$25 in city, $31 non-city. Register by February 13 at bloomington.in.gov/parks or call 812-349-3700.

VEGETABLE GARDEN PLANNING • Thursday, February 21, 5:30-7:30pm

Banneker Community Center, 930 West 7th Street

Successfully plan your own vegetable garden for the coming growing season! Stephanie Solomon, Grow Organic Educator, will teach you about a variety of sustainable gardening methods from bio-intensive to permaculture.  Learn the basics of crop rotation, companion planting, soil building, and cover cropping.

$8 in city, $9 non-city. Register by February 19 at bloomington.in.gov/parks or call 812-349-3700.

DORMANT PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES • Saturday, February 23, 2-4pm, rain date Sat, March 2

Bloomington Community Orchard, 2120 South Highland Avenue, adjacent to the Willie Streeter Community Garden and the YMCA

Ross Gay, Orchard Educator, teaches you how to prune fruit trees during dormancy in order to improve structure, stimulate growth, and increase productivity.  In this hands-on class, learn and practice proper pruning techniques.  The class takes place in the Community Orchard, so wear clothing appropriate for the weather.

$7 in city, $9 out of city. Register by February 20 at bloomington.in.gov/parks or call 812-349-3700.

CONTAINER GARDENING FOR CONFINED SPACE • Sunday, February 24, 2-4pm Bloomingfoods

East Garden Center Patio Room, 3220 East Third Street • 812-336-5400

JD Lucas, of the Bloomingfoods East Garden Center staff, shares tips and expertise about container gardening, ideal for smaller spaces. This workshop in the Bloomingfoods East Patio Room is FREE and open to anyone wanting to more more about this topic.

THE STEADFAST BLUEBERRY • Monday, February 25, 6:30-8:30pm

Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 East 10th Street

Keith Uridel, M.S. teaches all aspects of blueberry care. It covers planting methods and choices of soil amendments for the best and longest growth and production. Soil and plant nutrition, pruning, pest control and irrigation systems suitable for blueberries will also be discussed.

$14 in city, $17 non-city. Register by February 21 at bloomington.in.gov/parks or call 812-349-3700.

GARDEN PLANNING WITH THE HUB • Tuesday, February 26, 5:30-7:30pm

Banneker Community Center, 930 West 7th Street

Learn how to successfully plan your own vegetable garden for the coming growing season with a variety of sustainable gardening methods from bio-intensive to permaculture. Learn the basics of crop rotation, companion planting, soil building, and cover cropping. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots after February 12, community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible.

To register for this class contact Stephanie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 812-355-6843.