The Grass is Greener

The Grass is Greener

They say, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” What if the “other side” was your front yard? The N.C. Cooperative Extension will be hosting the 2019 Extension Gardener Workshop Series at their Chatham County location. Learn about best gardening practices that are sustainable, based on science and informative for all knowledge levels.

The Chatham County Center is located at 1192 US 64W Business, Suite 400, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Plant yourself in a new hobby!

What You’ll Learn:

These lectures and hands-on workshops cover a wide range of topics related to gardening for both home and community gardeners. From growing vegetables, to fruits, to trees, your yard will be the talk of the neighborhood. The NC State Extension provides research in applied horticulture science to teach methods on how to sustainably grow food and integrate native plants into their respective landscape.

Lessons taught incorporate environmentally-friendly practices, including how to improve soil health, reduce fertilizers and pesticides and support biodiversity. At the head of the class is Horticulture Extension Agent Matt Jones and a support team from the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Chatham County.

Available Classes

Growing and Preserving Culinary Herbs:

If you like to cook, you may like to grow what you cook! The Growing and Preserving Culinary Herbs course teaches techniques for growing herbs in raised beds and containers, watering and fertilization. Learn tips from Extension Master Gardener volunteer Pat Weisbrodt on how these skills can help you save money and contribute to your community!

The workshop costs $6 per person with a deadline to register by March 7th.

Monday, March 11, 2019, 10 a.m.–noon – Register Here    

Thursday, March 14, 2019, 6:30–8:30 p.m. – Register Here  

Sustainable Lawns and Lawn Alternatives:

Are you taking care of your lawn the correct way? Chances are, you may not know how certain lawns and turfs may be helping or hurting the biodiversity on your property. Get a crash course in how to minimize lawns to essential areas, selecting appropriate species and how to manage soil fertility based on soil tests and adding compost. Leverage organic methods to reduce the harmful effects of pesticides on your beautiful outdoor spaces!

The workshop costs $6 per person with a deadline to register by April 1st.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 10 a.m.–noon – Register Here  

Thursday, April 4, 2019, 6:30–8:30 p.m. – Register Here  

Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Perennials:

Choosing the right selection of trees, flowers and shrubs can make a significant difference in the type of biodiversity that is attracted to your landscape. Transform a desolate desert into a thriving ecosystem! Gardening with the appropriate native perennials and grasses means supporting the existence of local food webs, insects and other wildlife within of the ecosystem.

The workshop costs $6 per person with a deadline to register by April 12th.

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2019, 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. – Register Here  

Thursday, Apr. 18, 2019, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Register Here  

Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines:

Garden with native woody plants to support the biodiversity of the landscape you are cultivating. Trees, shrubs and vines serve as effective foraging hubs for both insects and birds. Learn how to assess site conditions to make an accurate decision on your selection of a native woody species.

The workshop costs $10 per person with a deadline to register by April 25th.

Tuesday, Apr. 30, 2019, 10:00–12:00 – Register Here   

Thursday, May 2, 2019, 6:30–8:30 p.m. – Register Here  

Fundamentals of Composting:

You may have heard about the benefits of composting before, but have you ever really seen it in action? With food scraps and yard trimmings accounting for more than a quarter of household waste, there’s a much better use for it! Discover the best practices for finding optimal temperatures, moisture, aeration, pile dimensions and troubleshooting common composting problems.

The workshop costs $6 per person with a deadline to register by October 31st.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, 10–12:30 p.m. – Register Here  

To learn more about the 2019 Extension Gardener Workshop Series, visit their website!