Composting for the Home Gardener
Composting is a biological process that, when managed correctly, produces a valuable soil amendment. This session explains how decomposition works and how to support it through proper material balance and maintenance. We’ll review different composting systems and how to choose one that fits your space and needs. Common issues like odor, pests, and slow breakdown will also be addressed with practical solutions.
Garden Math
This session focuses on the calculations needed for garden planning and maintenance. Topics include measuring garden space, calculating material quantities (such as mulch or soil), and applying soil test recommendations. We’ll work through practical examples step by step. The goal is to make these calculations straightforward and usable in real situations.
GMOs
This lecture provides an overview of genetically modified organisms in agriculture. We’ll review how GMOs are developed, how they differ from traditional breeding, and what current research indicates about their impacts. The session will address common claims related to health, the environment, and food systems. The focus is on understanding the topic through available data.
Soil Preparation
This session examines soil as a key factor in plant health. Topics include soil structure, compaction, fertility, and pH. We’ll review how to assess soil conditions and make adjustments based on plant needs. The role of organic matter and soil biology will also be discussed.
Botany 101
This session introduces the basic structure and function of plants. Topics include plant anatomy, how plants grow, and how they respond to environmental conditions. Understanding these fundamentals helps inform better decisions in plant care and selection. This provides a useful foundation for all areas of gardening.
Companion Planting
This session explores how different plants can support or hinder each other when grown together. We’ll review common companion planting strategies for vegetables and herbs, along with what is supported by research and what is more anecdotal. Topics include pest management, space use, and plant compatibility. The goal is to help you make more informed planting decisions.
Gardening Basics
This session covers the core elements needed for successful gardening: light, water, soil, and plant selection. We’ll review how to assess your space and match plants to appropriate conditions. Basic maintenance practices such as watering and seasonal care will also be discussed. This is a good starting point for new gardeners or a refresher on fundamentals.
Lawns and Lawn Alternatives
This session looks at the inputs required to maintain traditional lawns and the impacts associated with them. We’ll discuss water use, fertilizers, and maintenance requirements. Alternatives to turf grass, as well as ways to reduce lawn areas, will be introduced. The focus is on practical options for different landscapes.
New England Native Flora
This presentation focuses on plants native to the New England region. We’ll review trees, shrubs, and perennials that are adapted to local conditions and climates. Benefits such as reduced maintenance and support for wildlife will be discussed. Guidance on incorporating native plants into existing landscapes will also be included.
Botanical Nomenclature
This session explains how plants are named and classified. We’ll review the structure of scientific names, including genus, species, and common naming conventions. Understanding botanical nomenclature can help with plant identification and communication. This is especially useful when sourcing or researching plants.
Pests and Diseases in Vegetable Gardening
This session introduces common pests and diseases that affect vegetable crops. We’ll review how to identify issues early and distinguish between different types of damage. Management strategies will include cultural practices, monitoring, and basic intervention methods. The goal is to support healthier plants through prevention and informed response.
Pruning 101
This session covers the purpose and techniques of pruning different types of plants. We’ll review when and how to prune trees, shrubs, and perennials. Topics include plant structure, timing, and tool use. Proper pruning supports plant health, structure, and long-term growth.
Urban/Small Space Gardening
This session explores growing plants in small or limited spaces. We’ll cover container gardening, vertical growing, and plant selection for constrained environments. Soil management and watering considerations will also be discussed. The focus is on practical approaches for urban or space-limited settings.
Vegetable Gardening
This session provides an overview of growing vegetables, with depth adjusted based on session length. Topics include site selection, soil preparation, planting schedules, and basic crop care. Longer formats allow for more detailed discussion of crop planning, pest management, and seasonal maintenance. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to plan and manage a productive vegetable garden.
Preparing Your Garden for Spring
This session focuses on getting your garden ready for the growing season. We’ll review soil preparation, early planting considerations, and garden cleanup. Timing and planning for different types of plants will be discussed. The goal is to set up conditions for a productive and manageable season.
Seed Saving
Seed saving is a practical way to preserve plants that perform well in your growing conditions and reduce costs over time. In this session, we’ll cover how to determine which plants will “breed true,” along with methods for collecting, cleaning, and storing seeds. We’ll also introduce basic concepts around pollination and plant genetics that affect seed reliability. By the end, you’ll have a clear process for saving and reusing seeds in your own garden.
Propagating
This session introduces methods for producing new plants from existing material, including seeds, cuttings, and division. We’ll review when and how to use each method, along with the materials required. Seasonal timing and basic care will also be covered. These techniques can be used to expand plantings at a lower cost.
Downsizing Your Mature Garden or Starting a New One
This session focuses on designing a garden that aligns with your current needs, time, and capacity. We’ll look at strategies for simplifying an established garden as well as planning a new one with long-term manageability in mind. Topics include plant selection, layout adjustments, and reducing maintenance demands. The goal is to create a garden that remains functional and enjoyable over time.
Herbs: Uses and Cultivation
This session explores herbs from both a historical and practical perspective. We’ll review how herbs have been used across cultures for culinary, medicinal, and other purposes. The session will also cover how to grow and maintain commonly used herbs in a home garden. Participants will gain a better understanding of how to incorporate herbs into everyday use.
Container Garden Design: Flowers, Herbs & Edibles
Container gardening makes it possible to create beautiful, flower-filled displays even in the smallest spaces. Learn how to design eye-catching containers using flowering plants, while also incorporating herbs and vegetables for added interest and harvest. We’ll cover choosing the right containers, matching plants to your conditions, and simple planting techniques to create layered, seasonal container gardens for patios, balconies, decks, and small garden spaces.
Succulents: Adaptations and Care
This session explores how succulent plants have adapted to survive in arid environments around the world. We’ll review the structural and physiological traits that allow these plants to store water and tolerate drought, temperature extremes, and low-nutrient soils. The session will also clarify the differences between cacti and other succulents, along with examples of common types. Basic care, including light, watering, and container considerations, will be covered for growing succulents indoors.
Bulbs for All Seasons: Selection and Care
This session provides an overview of bulbs for year-round interest, including spring, summer, fall, and indoor plantings. We’ll review how to select quality bulbs and understand the differences between true bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers. Topics include planting techniques, seasonal timing, and distinguishing between hardy and tender types. The goal is to support informed selection and care for a range of bulb plants beyond the most common varieties.
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