Want to start a vegetable garden but not sure how to start? The Windsor Chamber of Commerce Green Committee is holding a series of gardening classes taught by Raye Hodgson, Garden Consultant. The class will consist of three sessions that can be taken individually or as a full series.

Session 1 (Monday, Feb. 22, 2010)
• Review the basics quick overview of seed (germination) and plant needs, for planning purposes
• Preparation start from seed or wait and buy plants? Tools, soil amendments, watering systems
• Choices what to grow? Taste, nostalgia, superfoods, calorie-dense, appearance, business opportunity, good keepers, natives, medicinals, heirloom

Practice session: Using a small sample of 5 different plants, make a calendar for seeding, setting out, and probable harvest time; if there is time, discuss rotation of plants to avoid pests (organic method)

Session 2 (Monday, March 1)
• Review composting how to optimize nutrient value and time to finished material
• Gardening methods raised beds, in-ground rows, companion planting, cold frames, low tunnels
• Risk management basics of increasing the likelihood of a harvest

Practice session: Simple layout of garden where will the tall plants go? Low growers? Sun lovers? Shade lovers (think greens)? Beans (pole, bush)? How wide are your aisles? Rows? How many will you plant? This can be a map or a list your choice of format

Session 3 (Tuesday, March 9)
• Perennials asparagus, berries, nuts, hardy kiwi, rhubarb, horseradish
• Medicinals
• Herbs
• Winter sowing
• Sowing for next spring harvest
• Glossary organic, USDA organic, local, IPM, natural, biodynamic, open pollinated, hybrid, GMO / non-GMO
• Seed exchange, make connections (gardening partners, resources)

The cost for the class is either $15 per session or $30 for all three. Sign up online at www.windsorcc.org or by calling 860-688-5165.