All programs require preregistration. To register or click on the links below.
Program Description:
The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) and American Public Gardens Association (APGA) Urban Agriculture Reselience Program has provided funding to support UT Gardens Helping Hands Kitchen Garden programs. This series will be provided free to the public. Most of the classes will be available virtually using Zoom.
Ten Crops for the Fall
July 24, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Take a break from the summer heat with fall vegetable planning. We'll look at 10 cool season crops that you can start from seed. This class will be held via Zoom. Participants will receive a meeting link upon registration.
Beyond Pesto
July 31, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Helping Hands Garden Manager Holly Jones and Master Gardener and herb enthusiast Amy Haun for a fun class on unique basil varieties. Everyone loves Italian basil but what about all the other great basil flavors? We'll look at 5 great non-traditional basils to be enjoyed in the garden and in the kitchen as well.
Microgreens
August 7, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Microgreens may be tiny, but they pack a mega punch of nutrients and flavor! Come learn how to grow these miniature delicacies in your home or garden. We’ll cover which seeds to grow and how to get the best results. Instructor: Derrick Stowell
5 Edible Flowers And How To Use Them
August 15, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spice up your meal with edible flowers! We will sample 5 fresh flowers and share ideas for how to incorporate them into your next dinner menu. This class will be limited to five in-person participants with strict safety precautions. The class will be streamed live on Facebook for others to enjoy virtually. Instructors: Cathy Carpenter and Holly Jones
Integrated Pest Management Basics
August 21, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Learn to get ahead of pests and disease in the garden by implementing the tools of integrated pest management. By choosing disease resistant varieties, avoiding susceptible plants and paying attention to plant placement and seasonal garden maintenance we can avoid many pest and disease issues. Pesticides and other sprays are only needed as a last resort after best practices have been employed. Organic and conventional methods will be discussed. Instructors: Amy Haun and Cathy Carpenter
Seed Saving
August 28, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Very few gardening activities are more economical or satisfying than seed saving. In this class, you will learn the terms and techniques of saving seeds as well as how to get started saving seeds from this year’s garden. Instructor: PJ Snodgrass
Cover Crops for Fall
September 4, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Adding cover crops to your vegetable garden will help keep your soil healthy for years to come. We will discuss the many benefits of green manures, how to integrate them into your soil, resources for seeds and which varieties are best for fall planting. Instructor: Holly Jones
Cold Frames for Season ExtensionSeptember 11, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Learn how to extend your growing season by building cold frames. This class will explore the use of cold frame and offer several design ideas for the home gardener. We will review the cold frames in the Helping Hands Kitchen Garden. Instructor: Derrick Stowell
Growing Lettuce Indoors
September 18, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
This class will explore different lettuce cultivars and how to grow them. We will look at ways to grow lettuce outside and also indoors. This class will focus on growing lettuce in soil, but we will briefly touch on the subject of hydroponics. Resources for purchasing seeds and other items needed for growing lettuce successfully will be provided to class participants. Instructor: Derrick Stowell
Putting Your Garden to rest for the Winter
September 25, 2020
12:30-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Even your garden needs a rest. This class will look at how to prepare your garden for the winter. We will look at ways to help improve soil for next year’s garden. Participants will also learn ways to help manage any pest or disease issues that you noticed during the season. This class will give you tasks to help ensure your spring garden be ready to start growing next season. Instructor: Derrick Stowell