All Over Albany

A whole bunch of gardening classes

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and spring will be here soon. (Current status: So ready for spring.)

So now is a good time to be giving some thought to garden plans for the spring and summer -- whether it's just a few flowers, tomatoes in containers on the porch, or raised beds in the backyard. Toward that end there a whole bunch of garden classes / info sessions coming up around the area, on topics ranging from seed starting to composting to backyard chickens.

Here's a quick scan of upcoming classes...

All blurbage via the various orgs.

March 12: Garden Design | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County
Master/English Gardener Timothy Huggett, shares the latest trends in garden design together with inspirational ideas for designing, planting and tending to those problem areas in the yard. March 12 at 6 pm - $5

March 20: Plan Your Garden | Honest Weight
With Rebekah Rice. Do you want to grow more of your vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits? Rebekah can show you how! Bring information about your garden space and learn to make a realistic plan. (Useful specifics may include measurements of the space, photos, and soil test results.) March 20 at 6 pm - free (registration required)

April 9: Seed Starting 101 | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County
Join us in the greenhouse to start your own seeds. We provide the seeds, soil and flats to get you started. Your seedlings will be cared for by CCE staff, Master Gardeners, and Roots and Wisdom crew members for six weeks. They will be ready for transplant when you pick them up the week of May 11th. $20.00 for one 50 cell flat, $35.00 for 2. April 9 at 4, 4:30, or 5 pm

April 11: Cover Crops | Capital Roots
Growing cover crops is an easy way to protect and improve your garden soil during the growing season and throughout the winter months. This class will explore how to grow "green manure" to add nutrients to your soil, improve soil structure destroyed by tilling and compaction, and protect your garden soil from erosion and damage. April 11 at 11:30am, Mumford Garden, Schenectady - $5

April 14: In Praise of Raised Beds | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Rensselaer County
Many gardeners have discovered that growing vegetables in raised beds has many advantages. David Chinery, educator with CCE will go over materials needed for construction, where to build your bed and how big to make it. Pre-registration is required. Call 272-4210 for more information. April 14 at 7 pm, CCE, 61 State Street, Troy - $6

April 16: Cover Crops | Capital Roots
Growing cover crops is an easy way to protect and improve your garden soil during the growing season and throughout the winter months. This class will explore how to grow "green manure" to add nutrients to your soil, improve soil structure destroyed by tilling and compaction, and protect your garden soil from erosion and damage. April 16 at 6 pm, Livingston Garden, Albany - $5

April 16: Shade Gardening | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County
You might spend a lot of time and effort tending to your sunny garden, but that shady area of your yard can be turned into a cool, tranquil and beautiful spot. This class will cover the design, planning and maintenance of a shade garden. We will discuss hosta and fern, the shade garden staples, and will also share information about the many annuals and perennials that can add to the beauty of your shade garden through the seasons. April 16 at 6 pm - $5

April 18: Companion Planting | Capital Roots
Make the most out of your garden using companion planting techniques! Learn how to use garden space efficiently, prevent pest problems, attract beneficial insects, and improve your yield and plant health simply by buddying up your plants and thoughtfully selecting the varieties you grow. Have a healthier and happy garden through this easy organic gardening method. April 18 at 10 am, Sand Street Garden - $5

April 21: Rain Gardens | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Rensselaer County
Rain gardens are a way to let nature help nature by collecting and filtering storm water run-off, thereby reducing erosion and pollution. Learn the basics of locating a rain garden, what plants to use and how to maintain it. Sue Pezzolla, CCE educator , will lead the class. Pre-registration is required. April 21 at 7 pm, CCE, 61 State Street, Troy - $6

April 22: Basic Organic Gardening | Capital Roots
An introductory course to provide new gardeners with fundamental gardening information needed for a successful growing season. We will discuss key points related to basic organic garden practices including practical tips on soil building, weed suppression, and maintaining a healthy, productive plot. April 22 at 5:30 pm, East Greenbush Garden, East Greenbush - $5

April 22: Backyard Poultry Basics | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Saratoga County
Are you thinking about getting chickens? Raising a small flock can be a rewarding experience, as well as a way to provide meat and eggs for your family. Please join us for an informative night with guest speaker Richard Kennedy from Cargill Nutrition. Learn about breed selection and caring for chickens in small flocks. Topics will cover A-Z of small-scale poultry farming. Bring lots of questions! Call Ellie to register at 518-885-8995. April 22 at 7 pm, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa - $5

April 23: Container Herb/Veggie Gardening | Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County
This class will cover all the techniques necessary to and maintain your beautiful container garden, such as plant selection and planting tips; design considerations; watering and fertilizing. Hanging baskets and placement of your container for greatest impact will also be covered. After the presentation participants will create their own container garden to take home. A selection of veggies and herbs will be available to choose from. April 23 at 6 pm - $20

May 7: Lasagna Composting and Soil Health | Capital Roots
This class will provide detailed information for new gardeners to improve their soil and develop lasagna composting techniques. Topics will include types of organic fertilizers to feed garden plants, materials useful for effective mulching and soil building, and different tiling and weeding techniques to support healthy soil and plant growth. May 7 at 6 pm, The Preserve Garden, Troy - $5

May 9: Cover Crops | Capital Roots
Growing cover crops is an easy way to protect and improve your garden soil during the growing season and throughout the winter months. This class will explore how to grow "green manure" to add nutrients to your soil, improve soil structure destroyed by tilling and compaction, and protect your garden soil from erosion and damage. May 9 at 10 am, Swift and 7th Garden, Troy - $5

May 16: Down & Dirty: A Celebration of Soil! | Sanctuary for Independent Media
It's the United Nations "International Year of Soils" and we're having a party to educate, inspire, and celebrate! The day will feature workshops on bio-remediation, composting, soil testing and lot reclaimers, with an evening presentation of "Symphony of the Soil" by filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia. Down and Dirty Skill Share, Troy Lot-Reclaimers Presentation. May 16 1-10 pm - $10 suggested, $5 student/low-income

May 19: Basic Organic Gardening | Capital Roots
An introductory course to provide new gardeners with fundamental gardening information needed for a successful growing season. We will discuss key points related to basic organic garden practices including practical tips on soil building, weed suppression, and maintaining a healthy, productive plot. May 19 at 6 pm, Normanskill Farm, Albany - $5