Springtime in the Pacific Northwest means cleaning up after winter’s storms and waiting for our temperamental weather to make up its mind. Now is the perfect time to plan our gardens! And if you haven’t already, it’s also a great time to start a compost pile. And we are all doing spring cleaning, which means getting those recyclables out of the garage. Naturally, some questions might arise – I know I have some! – and the WSU Master Gardeners and the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County will be at the Capital Mall March 25 and 26 and April 1 and 2 to answer home gardeners questions about gardening, composting and recycling in your area.
Master Gardeners: 50 Years of Gardening Knowledge in One Booth
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the WSU Master Gardener Program, and the 25th anniversary of the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County. The WSU Master Gardener Program’s mission is to, “engage university-trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education.” In other words, their masterfully-trained volunteers are here to help you learn gardening, composting and recycling best practices!
The Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County works with the WSU Master Gardener Program and acts as a knowledge resource for gardeners in our area. In addition, each year they hold plant sales that are open to the public.
50 years ago, the WSU Master Gardeners had a question-and-answer booth at the Tacoma Mall. In celebration of their anniversary, they are bringing back this amazing resource for two weekends at the Capital Mall, so you can get all your Thurston County gardening questions answered! Joining them are volunteers from the Master Recycler Composter Programs and the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County.
Get Gardening Help at the Capital Mall this Spring
Even if you have never fancied yourself much of a green-thumb, the Master Gardeners can help you achieve your gardening goals – whether that’s a bountiful vegetable or fanciful flower garden. Composting can save a lot of garbage going into the landfills and is literally free food for your plants! And of course, we all know important it is to recycle.
The Gardener’s booth will be on at the Macy’s Court on Saturday, March 25 and Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, March 26 and Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Home gardeners can bring their questions to get free answers, including helpful handouts to take with you. And don’t worry if you are visiting from another county, they will have information on WSU Master Gardener programs in your area to help you get growing, composting and recycling!
Gardening is hit or miss with me. I do tend to over water or under water, and always forget to fertilize. I’ve got my list of questions ready for the Master Gardeners, including the best way to start a compost pile so this year, I can save money on fertilizer and feed my plants naturally!
While the weather tries to decide if it should rain, snow or shine, you can get ready now warmer days with a visit to the Capital Mall. Take advantage of this free resource for home gardeners and look forward to what your garden can grow in 2023 and beyond.
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