People may learn how to grow food through a Washington State University Cooperative Extension class coming up.
The “Growing Groceries” class begins Feb. 1 in Everett. The deadline to apply is Jan. 24. The class is taught by Linda Mauer, a librarian with the Lake Stevens School District.
After taking the training herself and expanding her own garden, Mauer helped a group of volunteers and students create the Panther Giving Garden at Mount Pilchuck Elementary School, where she works, according to WSU.
In addition to providing fresh produce for the school’s free lunch program, the garden serves as a learning lab for students and teachers and has been incorporated into curricula.
Longtime program supporter and chef Graham Kerr is scheduled as a featured speaker during the coursework.
Local and regional experts will share the latest practices on topics including how to choose a site, building healthy soil, starting from seed, the importance of compost, irrigation, managing pests, vertical and small space gardening, and food safety.
Training includes five classroom sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 1 and 15 and March 1, 15 and 29. Classes will be held at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium in McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Four hands-on, in-the-garden sessions are planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19, May 17, June 21 and July 19, with locations to be announced.
Basic tuition is $210. To apply online, go to tinyurl.com/WSUGrowGroceries.For more information, contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or christensen4@wsu.edu.
Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; bsheets@heraldnet.com.
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