Gardening classes offered

PALMER — Instructor Ellen Vande Visse will teach “Organic Gardening: The In-Depth, How-To Course” Fridays through April 19 from 6 to 8:45 p.m., at Mat-Su College, Snodgrass Hall, Room 117. Plus, a field trip is planned April 13.

The classes will include information on extending the growing season, compositing techniques, dealing with weeds and pests without poisons and organically building your soil’s fertility.

Register for “AGRI 138” (one credit). If you are not a regular student, it is easiest to call 745-9746 or stop by Mat-Su College on Trunk Road rather than online at matsu.alaska.edu. Seniors are eligible for tuition waiver.

Vande Visse also offers classes through her own Good Earth Garden School.

Starting April 9, she will teach “High Tunnel Grower Training” from 6 to 10 p.m. Cost for the three classes is $50. Classes also meet April 16 and 23.

High tunnels present special challenges in disease and pest control, irrigation and nutrients. Save yourself years of costly mistakes and snap up this rare blast of knowledge offered by Dr. Jeff Smeenk and Vande Visse.

Topics include tunnel selection, site preparation, appropriate crops, soil and nutrient management, irrigation strategies, pest management and marketing.

To register or for a complete class list visit goodearthgardenschool.com.

Contact managing editor Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.