To teach residents how to start butterfly gardens, grow vegetables, and use pesticides safely without harming the environment, the County Board of Commissioners and its certified gardeners have announced their 2023 Home Gardening School series.
“These courses are designed for individuals interested in gardening, horticulture and the environment,” said Commissioner Director Frank J. DiMarco. “All individuals are welcome, whether experienced gardeners or novices.”
“These classes are a great way to learn about home gardening. Our certified gardeners are experts in their field and have a lot of information to share,” said Commissioner Lyman Barnes, liaison to the group. “We will explore topics such as entomology, caring for houseplants, growing vegetables and composting. Gardening can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, give you a vitamin C boost and benefit the whole family once your hard work pays off.”
Classes are held on Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm at the Gloucester County Clayton Complex, 1200 N. Delsea Dr., Clayton. Dates and topics are as follows:
- January 18: Plant propagation
- January 25: basic entomology
- 1 Feb: Insects and mites of ornamental plants
- tes of ornamental plants
- 8 Feb: Use and Safety of Pesticides
- February 15: Tending to the lawn
- February 22: Indoor plants
- March 1st: integrated crop protection
- March 15: Weed detection and control
- March 29: Plant Pathology.
- April 5: Gardening for butterflies and other pollinators
- April 12: home vegetable garden
- April 19: Annuals and perennials;
- April 26: native plants
- May 3: Tree fruits and small fruits
- May 10: Insects infesting the house
- May 16: Get the dirt on soil and compost.
The fee is USD 15 per class or USD 10 per class for groups of five or more. Pre-registration is desired but not required. For information, brochures, or to register, contact the Office of Land Preservation, (856) 224-8045 or email mcummings@co.gloucester.nj.us.
To learn more about the certified gardeners, visit https://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/399/Certified-Gardeners-Program.
