While our weather may be hanging onto winter a bit more than we would like, spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to think about gardening once again! Whether you are a newbie or a master green thumb, you can always learn new tips and tricks. Many organizations near Olympia and throughout Thurston County offer gardening classes and workshops geared toward our climate. Maybe you want to learn how to grow your own food in the Pacific Northwest or how to plant a flower garden in Olympia. Here is a list of 2024 gardening classes in Thurston County to make your plants look their best.
Grow Your Own Produce: Workshop Series
First Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m.
Online
From now through November 6, take part in one or all of these online workshops by permaculture expert Marisha Auerbach. You will learn all about growing your own produce in the Pacific Northwest. Each Zoom meeting will include handouts and a checklist for the month ahead. To learn more and to register, visit the Fertile Ground website.
Flower Show School
In-person and online
Ongoing
The National Garden Club has a Flower Show School for those who want to take the next step with their flowers. The curriculum includes learning about how to enter, compete, judge and even chair a National Garden Club flower show. It includes four courses scheduled over two or three days. Horticulture, design and flower show procedures are all part of the course. In-person events happen in Thurston County and surrounding areas. For more information, visit the National Garden Clubs website.
Houseplants 101
March 21, 5:30 p.m., March 23, 12 p.m.
Underhill Plants
117 Washington Street NE, Olympia
Underhill Plants is hosting a Houseplants 101 workshop for people new to keeping plants inside. Learn how to troubleshoot problems, basic plant care and more. Attendees get 10% off plant purchases that day. $10 suggested donation.
Repotting Workshop
April 4, 5:30 p.m., April 6, 12 p.m.
Underhill Plants
117 Washington Street NE, Olympia
Underhill Plants is hosting a Repotting Workshop for people who want to learn the proper way to repot plants without causing stress or shock. Attendees get 10% off plant purchases that day. $10 suggested donation.
Wild Food Traditions: Spring Greens and Wild Berries
April 19-20
$175-250, sliding scale
2016 Elliott Avenue NW, Olympia
GRuB is hosting a Tend Teacher Training event that is all about edible greens and berries! You will sample a variety of edible greens and learn how to identify native berries, plant identification tips, sustainable harvesting techniques, nutritional values, medicinal uses, recipes and more. Register on the GRuB website.
Soil: the Mother of All Life
March 21, 1 p.m.
Free
Tumwater Timberland Regional Library
7023 New Market Street SW, Tumwater
This workshop put on by the Thurston County Master Gardeners will talk about soil and its importance for healthy plants. Learn how to care for the soil to encourage plant growth.
Food and Yard Waste Composting
May 16, 1 p.m
Free
Tumwater Timberland Regional Library
7023 New Market Street SW, Tumwater
At this Thurston County Master Gardeners workshop, you will learn all about how to compost including what materials you need, what can go into your pile, the process and how to know when it’s ready to use in your garden.
Know of a gardening class or workshop? Email submit@thurstontalk.com.
