April 28, 2024
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Seed, grow light workshops set in Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, Putnam counties

Master gardeners will lead programs

By Shaw Local News Network
Starting your own seedlings for the garden is a great way to save money and grow varieties of flowers, vegetables and other plants not usually found in stores or garden centers. Join the Kane County Master Gardeners for a March 28 workshop on seed starting. To learn more or register, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk.

The Bureau, La Salle, Marshall-Putnam Master Gardener Program will be offering several seed starting workshops in February and March to answer many of the questions new and old gardeners alike have about the seed starting process. (Photo provided by U of I Extension)

Have you tried your hand at seed starting only to be disappointed when the seeds don’t germinate or just die off unexpectedly?

The Bureau, La Salle, Marshall-Putnam Master Gardener Program will be offering several seed starting workshops in February and March to answer many of the questions new and old gardeners alike have about the seed starting process.

Master gardeners will provide information and demonstrations focusing on the soil type, containers, temperature, and light and moisture requirements of various vegetables, herbs and flowers. Participants will practice starting their own seeds to bring home.

Master gardeners with various methods and a history of success in seed starting will be available for workshops throughout the service area. These workshops are free and open to the public. The following dates and times will require registration to ensure materials and space.

Seed starting workshops will be at the following locations: Bureau County Extension Office, 850 Thompson St., Becker Professional Suites, Princeton; Marshall Putnam County Extension, 509 Front St., Suite 4, Henry; and Richard Mautino Memorial Library, 215 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley.

To register for one of these workshops, go to the following links:

In addition to the seed starting workshops, the master gardener program will offer a Seed Starting Grow Light Workshop. Everything you need to construct your own grow light for seedlings will be included. This workshop will include step-by-step hands-on instruction with a master gardener assisting and can be taken home with you that day.

The $20 cost to attend includes all materials and instruction. Register at go.illinois.edu/growlight. The event is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in the CTC-124 Conference Room at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith St., Oglesby.

For information or to request special accommodations, contact Bettyann Harrison, master gardener/master naturalist coordinator, at bettyann@illinois.edu or 309-364-2356.