Vegetable Gardening workshops – @ will be 2 to 3 hours in length

Presented by Curtis Swift, Ph.D., Colorado State University Extension, in conjunction with the Mesa County Library District

Registration is required to allow for hands-on activities and participant questions. Call 243-4442 to register.

Location: Central Mesa County Public Library Programming Room, 530 Grand Avenue, Grand Junction

Getting the most out of your vegetable garden Friday, February 12, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This session will cover the following: designing your garden, selecting the proper plants, plant spacing and plant yield, raised beds vs. conventional systems, irrigation systems, when to start transplants, and cool and warm-season vegetables and planting times. Handouts will be provided.

Starting transplants and growing under lights Friday, February 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This session will cover how and when to start transplants and include a hands-on exercise. Specifics will be provided to ensure your transplants are started at the proper time based on the average last spring frost-free date.  Techniques for growing under lights will be demonstrated to include lighting systems, height requirements above plants, and length of time lights should be used. Watering, fertilizing and hardening-off transplants will be covered.  Handouts will be provided.

Soil preparation for maximum vegetable production - Wednesday, February 24, 2:00 p.m - 5 p.m.
This session will cover soil preparation, compost and other soil amendments, depth of soil preparation, vegetable fertilizer needs, how to test your soil, and interpreting your soil test report. Raise bed and square foot gardening will be emphasized. Problems such as hard pans and salty soil will be discussed.  Participants should consider bringing a soil sample (1/2 pint) to the session to test for salts.

Maintaining the Vegetable garden Monday, March 8, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This session will help you prepare for the growing season.  Insect, weed and disease control providing specifics on synthetic and natural products available and their use will be covered.  When and how to water based on the stage of plant growth and plant needs as well as when to fertilize and what fertilizer to use to ensure you achieve maximum production.