Backyard Gardening

Tuesdays, 4:30 - 6:30pm
April 1- September 23, 2025
With an additional garlic planting session on October 16

Join Ethan Page, CWC Instructor of Local Food & Agriculture and Jessie Anderson, ASI Farm Site Manager, for an intensive season-long hands-on gardening class that will take you from planning and prepping your bed to seeding and transplanting your first plants all the way through harvesting, preparing and preserving your harvests.

This three part series will span Lander's entire growing season, giving students the option to take one or any combinations of classes. Discounts available for those who take all three classes!

Please be aware that the CWC Alpine Science Institute has a new entrance and road (and with it, a new address). Getting the address changed on maps is a work in progress, so until then, be advised that the new entrance is about a quarter mile closer to Lander than the old entrance.

Payment is due at the time of registration. Signing up for classes is available online, over the phone at (307) 332-3394, or in person at CWC Lander - 120 Enterprise Boulevard. Credit card payments, both through Eventbrite and CWC, are subject to processing fees. Cash or check payments are also accepted.

Part 1: Seasonal Garden Planning & Planting Strategies

April 1 - May 27

The first part in the series will guide students through the essentials of successful garden planning, from crop selection to transplanting and irrigation. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, or perennials, we’ll explore how to choose the best varieties for your space and climate.

Topics to be covered include:

• Crop Planning & Variety Selection – Learn how to decide what to grow and why, including the benefits of incorporating flowers into your garden.
• Seed Starting Techniques – Explore different methods of seed starting, soil choices, humidity considerations, and when to direct seed versus start indoors.
• Bed Preparation & Soil Health – Understand raised bed vs. in-ground gardening, soil amendments, and best practices for creating new beds.
• Transplanting & Direct Seeding – Discover the differences between cool-season and warm-season crops, how to protect plants from frost, and methods for extending your growing season.
• Fertilization & Irrigation – Learn about different types of fertilizers, their purpose, and the best watering methods for a thriving garden.
• Succession Planting for Continuous Harvests – Understand how to stagger plantings for a longer and more productive growing season.

Part 2: Garden Maintenance, Harvesting and Season Extension

June 3 - July 29

The second part of this series will help gardeners navigate key aspects of maintaining a thriving garden, from weed management to harvesting and preserving produce. Students will gain practical skills in mulching, pruning, and pest control while learning how to extend their growing season into the fall.

Topics to be covered include:

• Mulching & Trellising – Learn why and how to mulch, the benefits and drawbacks of different mulch types, and the role of trellising in plant support.
• Weed Management – Identify common weeds and explore effective weeding techniques, including tool selection for efficiency.
• First Harvests & Continued Harvesting – Understand when and how to begin harvesting for peak flavor and productivity.
• Pest Management & Fall Seeding – Recognize common garden pests and explore organic strategies for control while planning for fall crops.
• Pruning Essentials – Learn why pruning is important, which plants benefit from it, and best practices for maintaining plant health.
• Preserving the Harvest with Fermentation – Discover simple methods to extend the life of fresh produce through fermentation.
• Fall Planting – Plan ahead for a successful fall garden with season-appropriate crops and planting techniques.
  
  Class sessions will also include time for Q&A, ensuring participants leave with personalized guidance for their gardens.

Part 3: From Harvest to Table

August 5 - September 23 (with bonus garlic planting session on October 16)

The final part of this series will help gardeners make the most of their harvest, from proper handling and preservation to cooking and preparing for the next growing season. Through hands-on workshops and shared learning experiences, participants will gain valuable skills in food preparation, composting, and garden maintenance.

Topics to be covered include:

• Cooking with the Harvest – Explore creative ways to use fresh garden produce and prepare a full meal together and enjoy a shared supper
• Harvesting, Washing & Packaging Produce -Learn when and how to wash different types of produce and understand proper packaging techniques to maintain freshness
• Composting Techniques - Explore different composting methods and their benefits for soil health
• Preserving the Harvest – Learn safe and effective canning techniques to enjoy produce year-round
• Putting the Garden to Bed for Winter - Learn how to prepare garden beds for the colder months and improve soil health
• Garlic Planting for Next Season (October 16)- Discover best practices for planting garlic to ensure a successful spring harvest
  
  Class sessions will also include time for Q&A, ensuring participants leave with personalized guidance for their gardens.