All Over Albany

Gardening classes that are popping up soon

It's spring! It's happening!

Now is a good time to get started on 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 are a whole bunch of garden classes / info sessions / talks coming up around the area, on topics ranging from vegetable gardening to composting to garden planning to street trees.

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

This is not a comprehensive list. Some classes require pre-registration, so make sure to check the links for more info. All quoted blurbage via the various orgs.

April 5: The Art and Practice of Watering | Capital Roots
Repeats May 16 at the Normanskill Farm in Albany. 5:30 pm, Forts Ferry Garden, 115 Forts Ferry Road, Latham -- $10

April 6: Planning Your Vegetable Garden | Capital Roots
"This class will provide gardeners with the keys to planning a successful vegetable garden. Topics will include preparing your soil, selecting suitable varieties, growing the right amount for your needs, proper garden layout, and weed control and maintenance for an easy and stress-free growing season." 5:30 pm, Ida Street Garden, 111 Ida St, Troy -- $10

April 8: Lifestyle Farming Conference | SUNY Cobleskill
As mentioned, a whole day of classes and workshops on topics such as square foot gardening for maximizing production in small spaces, home brewing, backyard poultry, family livestock herds, composting, making sausage, fruit and berry orcharding 101, wild edibles, homemade ice cream, and homemade yogurt. starts at 8:30 am, SUNY Cobleskill campus -- $60 / $72 with lunch

April 8: Soil Health and Building | Capital Roots
"Make dirt work for you by improving your garden soil for better yields and happier plants. Topics will include info on organic fertilizers, best materials for effective mulching, and different tilling and weeding techniques to support healthy soil and plant growth." 10 am, Sand Street Garden, 32 Sand St, Albany -- $10

April 8: So You Want to Start a Vegetable Garden? | CCE Schenectady County
"This class will cover the basics of how to start your own vegetable garden, including mapping it out, understanding your soils and fertilizer options and choosing what to plant. Bring measurements of your intended garden space and a sample of soil (1 cup of dry soil). You will move to the greenhouse to start your seeds. Seeds, soil and trays are provided. Your seedlings will be cared for by CCE staff and volunteers for six weeks." *Pre-registration required.* 10 am, Sustainable Living Center, Central Park, Schenectady -- $40

April 8: Composting Basics | Capital Roots
"Learn how to enrich your garden organically and reduce waste by developing and improving composting techniques. This class will cover introductory lessons on creating your own organic fertilizer and maintaining a healthy and productive compost pile." 1:30 pm, Third Street Garden, 119 3rd St, Albany -- $10
(Also repeats April 20 at 6 pm at Father Flanigan's Farm, 2260 Fifth Avenue, Troy.)

April 12: Fairy (Miniature) Gardens | Albany JCC
Part of a series with master gardeners Martie Teumim and Pam Taft, courtesy of the CCE Albany County. 7 pm -- free (registration requested)

April 15: DIY Lawn Care | Faddegon's
"Bob Graves will share his expertise on lawn care and maintenance. He knows what works and what doesn't! You'll learn the best practices for beginning, maintaining or rejuvenating a lawn. Bob will cover seeding, crabgrass control, fertilization, weed control and soil concerns. Have the healthiest lawn possible! This is the time of year to get ahead of lawn problems! " 10 am -- free (registration requested)

April 22: Weed Maintenance and Solutions to Common Garden Pests and Disease | Capital Roots
"Gardeners will learn to identify tell-tale signs of garden pests and disease, as well as necessary steps to prevent damage to plants. You will receive information on household items and homemade solutions to organically deter common garden pests. Our Educator will also demonstrate simple techniques to keeping your garden weed and stress-free." 12:15 pm, Craig & Wyllie Garden, 993 Craig St, Schenectady -- $10

April 26: Night Gardens | Albany JCC
Part of a series with master gardeners Martie Teumim and Pam Taft, courtesy of the CCE Albany County. 7 pm -- free (registration requested)

April 27: Street Trees and How to Care For Them | Landis Arboretum
Landis Arboretum executive director Fred Breglia, an arborist, will be giving a presentation at the Stockade Association Board. 7 pm, St. George's Church, Ferry Street in the Stockade, Schenectady -- free

April 29: Container Herb Gardening | CCE Schenectady County
"This class will cover all the techniques necessary to create and maintain your beautiful herb garden, such as plant selection and planting tips; design considerations; watering and fertilizing will also be covered. After the presentation participants will create their own herb garden to take home. A selection of herbs will be available to choose from. All materials are provided." *Pre-registration required.* 10 am, Sustainable Living Center, Central Park, Schenectady -- $20

(Hewitt's also typically has a few gardening classes during the spring -- keep an eye on its website.)

Plant sales
Looking ahead: A bunch of orgs have plants sales in May where you can pick up seedlings and other items for your garden. We'll post a usual roundup of those closer to that time.