Unlike our other classes, this class is being hosted by The Ecology Center at their new office downtown! 

While the full description of this class is TBA, the class will involve identifying and managing pest insects in your garden. This class is taught by Master Gardener Inge Ferguson, stay tuned for more details!

As always, this class is free but donations are appreciated!

  If you have a limited garden space but unlimited dreams of growing vegetables and flowers, come to this workshop on square foot gardening to learn how to make them a reality. This established method of gardening, led by certified Square Foot Gardening instructor, James Lee, will show you how to set up your bed and to garden without weeds or the need for chemical fertilizers! Class will be held rain or shine; come dressed for the weather and to work outside. Maximum class size: 20. Fee: $10.00 per person, $15.00 per couple. Pre-registration and payment required.

This class is held in The Leslie House, the first building on the left when you enter the parking lot!

This first of two composting classes will teach you different methods of hot and cold composting that are applicable in a community garden plot, backyard garden, and even in your kitchen! Master Composters, Joet Reoma and Jesse Raudenbush, will lead the lecture as well as a tour of Project Grow's Compost Education Center.

No fee, but registration is required.

Sign up for Composting in a Community Garden Plot Here:

docs.google.com/a/projectgrowgardens.org/spreadsheet/viewform

Join holistic health practitioner and herbalist, Diane Feldt, for a slow stroll through the Black Pond Woods of the Leslie Science Center, to identify local medicinal and edible wild plants. Linda Diane has taught many courses locally on wild local foods and has authored several books on the subject. More information can be found on her website, www.lindadianefeldt.com. This class will be held rain or shine; come dressed for the weather and walking. Meet in the parking lot at LSNC. Class size limited to 20. Fee: $10.00 per person or a family of 2. Pre-registration and payment required.

  This second of two composting workshops focuses on the science of vermiculture,  how to start a worm composting bin, and the benefits of worm castings in your garden.  This class is led by Jesse Raudenbush, a third generation vermiculturist at Starr Valley Farms. Students will also take home 1 pound of red wrigglers, one 18 gallon composting bin with worm begging, and a copy of "Worms Eat My Garbage" the Applenhoff text.

Fee:  $35.00 per person.  Pre-registration and payment required. 

Join Nathan Ayers, Permaculture Designer of Chiwara Permaculture, to learn about this movement which attempts to design gardens with the diversity, stability and resilience of naturally occurring ecosystems.  Such gardens are not only productive, but sustainable, as people and their environment are integrated in a harmonious way. 

Free, but donations are always appreciated. 

You may register for Permaculture and Community Gardens here:

docs.google.com/a/projectgrowgardens.org/spreadsheet/viewform

You've vaguely heard that rain gardens are a good thing.  You've also heard that you will get a break on your water bill if you installed a rain garden at your home.  But what are they?  how do they work?  how should they be designed and where should I locate them?  how do I even start?  Susan Bryan, Rain Garden Coordinator of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office, will cover these and other topics pertaining to rain gardens, so that you will feel confident about installing one yourself. 

Free, but donations are appreciated. 

Pre-registration is required. 

You may register for Rain Gardens here:

docs.google.com/a/projectgrowgardens.org/spreadsheet/viewform

Rick Weller, lifelong organic gardener and owner of Organically Done, will present methods, techniques, and tips for gardening in a toxin-free organic environment. Grow robust and nutritious fruits, vegetables, and flowers in a sustainable fashion without concern for your family's health.

The following topics will be covered: Benefits of Organic Gardening; Your First Organic Garden; Building and Maintaining Healthy Soils, Working with Organic Amendments; and Natural Pest Controls. All questions and discussions are welcome.

Class is free, but donations are welcome!

Click here to register!

  This class is meant for the ultimate beginner, or the just curious -
Interested in seeing what it would take to get started as a beekeeper?

If you are considering having a backyard hive, a small apiary, would like a pollination boost for your garden, or are simply concerned about the plight of the bees, this class will help you determine a level of beekeeping involvement that is manageable and fun. This class will provide background to help make decisions and plans for many levels of beekeeping:

* Benefits of different types of hives, and basic equipment
* What makes a good site for bees
* Where to acquire bees/ what breed is best
* How much time is required throughout the year
* Relevant regulations and further information
* How to help your local pollinators

Time will be available for questions answer and to examine the Leslie hives. Class will be taught by Meghan Milbrath of Sand Hill Apiaries. This class is free, but donations are appreciated.

Click here to register!

Learn creative ways to preserve your harvest. Receive instruction and hands-on experience, as well as taste samples of food preserved with lacto-fermentation. Class participants will prepare 1 pint of vegetables for fermentation at home. A selection of spices and a variety of vegetables will be available for you to create you own unique blend. Ge Zhang, Project Grow gardener, will lead the class. Registration is limited to 10 seats. Fee to cover the cost of supplies: $10.00