Columbia Parks & Recreation Department offers free gardening workshops

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Clemson Cooperative Extension to host a series of gardening workshops designed to give participants the tools needed to start and maintain a healthy garden.

The free workshops are open to beginner and experienced gardeners.

All workshops will be held at 10 a.m. at the Earlewood Park Community Centerlocated at 1113 Parkside Drive on the following Saturdays:

Gardening Workshop Schedule 

• May 20 – Topic: Everything Tomato

Learn how to grow tomatoes, herbs, and more! This session will include a Spaghetti Container Garden Demo (tomato, spaghetti squash and herbs etc.) *Free Giveaway– 1 spaghetti container garden

• June 17 – Topic: Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Sustainable Method of Controlling Pest and Diseases in the Garden

This session will explore best practices for maintaining a healthy garden. We will cover a variety of techniques that reduce weed pressure, limit plant diseases and control insects in the garden, as well as explore organic options for pest management.

• August 26 – Topic: What Vegetables Grow in Fall & Winter in South Carolina

Find out what vegetables can be grow in the fall and winter months in South Carolina.

• September 16 – Topic:  Incorporating Fruit in Your Garden

Learn how to incorporate fruits, vegetables and herbs into the landscaping around your home.

• October 21 – Topic: Canning & Preserving

Learn how know to start canning at home with step-by-step instructions and demonstration.

• November 18 – Topic: Starting Seeds  

Discover the four critical elements of starting seeds (water, temperature, soil and light) and why you should start your seeds indoors.

For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.