Gardening is so many things. It can calm you to work in the earth, bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment when that seed or plant you started blooms. It can also be frustrating if you can’t seem to get anything to grow. Whether you have a green thumb or not, there are local organizations and garden stores happy to help you with springtime plant workshops in the Olympia area. Here is a list of some of the 2026 gardening classes in Thurston County.
Grow Your Own Produce: The Workshop Series
Now through November 4
Online
Fertile Ground is a local organization that hosts workshops throughout the spring and summer. This year they are doing one on growing your own produce! While it started in February, you can join for a five-part series or pay for individual classes. Details on the Fertile Ground website.
Creating Bird-Friendly Gardens
March 17, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Olympia Timberland Library
Spend St. Patrick’s Day learning about something green! Join Kim Adelson with South Sound Bird Alliance to will learn why birds are so important to healthy ecosystems and how small changes in your yard or garden can help them thrive. This event is free.
Soil & Repotting Workshop
March 18, 5:30 p.m.
March 21, 12 p.m.
Underhill Plants
117 Washington Street NE, Olympia
This Underhill Plants workshop is all about potting! Learn about different potting mixes and how to repot your potted plants. The workshop is free, but you need to reserve your space on the Underhill Plants website.
Worm Composting
Various Dates
Various locations
The Dirt Works Demonstration Garden is doing Worm Composting Workshops throughout the spring and summer. This free workshop takes place in person or on online depending on the date. Learn about compost, how to create it and why it’s good for your garden. The first one is March 18. Find additional dates here.
A Garden Trinity: Soil, Pollinators and Plants
March 27, 6:30 p.m.
REI at Capital Mall
WSU Master Gardener and author Toni Ghazal will be presenting on healthy soil, flowers that attract pollinators and how insects work in your garden. RSVP to reserve your spot in this free workshop.
Watson’s Spring Garden & Home Fair
March 28, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4004 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia
Attend the Watson’s Spring Garden and Home Fair to meet their buyers, growers and vendors to get your questions answered! Now is the time to plan the garden of your dreams.
Ask Your Local Gardening-Composting-Recycling Experts
March 28 -29, mall hours
Capital Mall
625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia
The WSU Master Gardeners will be at the Capital Mall to answer your questions! Maybe you need to know what’s eating your plants; have a plant you can’t identify; want to learn about composting; or wonder if you have something you can recycle. Ask the Masters!
Mounted Plants Workshop
April 9, 5:30 p.m.
April 11, 12 p.m.
Underhill Plants
117 Washington Street NE, Olympia
Have limited space for a garden or what a statement piece in your office? Learn all about these cool plants that double as decoration! Create your own mounted planted with the knowledge guidance of the Underhill Plant workers. The workshop is $25, and you get to take home your creation! Reserve your space on the Underhill Plants website.
Pollinators in the Garden
May 2, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Evergreen Vista Community Garden
1209 Fern Street SW, Olympia
Head to this garden workshop in Olympia to learn about pollinators, the right plants to grow to attract pollinators and more. Have questions? Email Tina at twagner@thurstoncd.com. Fill out this form to register.
Small Space Gardening Workshop
May 20, 6 p.m.
Prosperity Grange Hall
3701 Steamboat Island Road NW, Olympia
Join Will Porter from GRuB on May 20 to learn how to succeed with small-space gardening! The workshop is free, but donations are always welcome. Sign up on the Prosperity Grange Hall website.
The Power of Native Plants & Tea Blending Workshop
May 30, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lacey Timberland Library
500 College Street SE, Lacey
Ever wondered if you could make tea from the native plants in your garden? Take this workshop and find out! Jenee Redecker will be teaching you about plants in our region and how to make tea out of them. Register by April 30.
Know of a gardening class or workshop? Email submit@thurstontalk.com.
