Join Richard Hodges from ReTreeUs for the first of a two-part workshop to discover a novel way to grow schoolyard gardens. In these workshops, we’ll talk about sheet mulching techniques, succession planting, and building organic matter with an easy-to-do method. You’ll also learn the basic considerations and steps for planning and starting a schoolyard vegetable garden. UNH-Extension Master Gardeners will be on site to talk specifics about pollinator gardens, as well.

In Part 1 of the workshop, we’ll get hands-on with the “sheet mulching” practice we utilize in school gardens in the spring to prevent weeds and build soil. We will be direct-sowing crops that grow well over the summer with minimal maintenance while discussing best practices for school gardens.

After the workshop, we’ll see these methods and more in action while touring the successful Teaching and Demonstration Garden, which is maintained through a partnership between NH Audubon and UNH-Extension, and provides the public with research-based, sustainable gardening information and skills that benefit our environment for wildlife and for people.

This program will take place outdoors rain or shine. In the event of severe thunderstorms, we will postpone.  Dress for a short walk in grassy uneven terrain, with the intention to get hands-on with soil and plants. Please bring gloves; we will have some available on site if you need to borrow a pair.

For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman, at [email protected]

Advance registration required.

Registration deadline is May 21st.

Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members

Don’t forget to also sign up for Part 2 on August 30th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm!

Photo: Image from ReTreeUs showing a healthy garden grown with sheet-mulching techniques.