From compost and chemical-free lawns to organic edibles and robust blooms, Metro's instructors are ready to talk tips and share gardening tricks at your meeting. Each program includes a visual presentation, discussion, hands-on learning and free publications for all participants.
Presentation topics
Gardens of eatin': basic vegetable gardening
Boost your garden IQ with simple steps to success. From picking edibles for the right spot and season to prepping the soil and watering waste-free, get the story on weeding, managing pests and growing a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Plus, learn where to find plants, seeds and more tips for easy organic gardening.
Gardens of eatin': advanced vegetable gardening
Learn how to plan for year-round harvests with careful crop choices, vertical gardening and techniques to stretch the growing season. Plus, explore the principles of nontoxic weed and pest management to boost your harvests and reduce the amount of time and money needed for a healthy, productive garden.
Gardens of eatin': edible landscaping
Get the skinny on blending edibles and ornamentals for a delicious, low-maintenance landscape. Discover salad-boosting herbs and flowers, fruit trees for small spaces and native plants that hide "berried" treasures. Learn easy organic care methods and best varieties for blueberries, strawberries, tree fruits, grapes, kiwis, culinary herbs and more.
Grow a greener green lawn
Learn the latest on establishing, renovating and maintaining turf that meets your needs. Get time-tested tips practiced by golf course superintendents for mowing, mulching, watering and managing weeds without toxic chemicals. Discover eco-lawns, and learn where to get more information on low-input lawn care.
Healthy soil for healthy plants
Learn to turn any soil into a fertile home for roots using all-organic methods that help plants thrive without costly chemicals or polluted runoff. Plus, learn how to "read" your soil, prep it for planting and how to use slow-release fertilizers, compost, cover crops and other soil amendments.
Home composting essentials
Get the real dirt on how simple it is turn garbage into gardener's gold. Learn the do's and don'ts of composting yard waste and kitchen scraps. Discover the merits of basic, worm, hot and cold composting and ways to master each method. Get tips on using compost as an amendment, mulch or tea. Plus, learn where to find bins, tools and more information.
Native plants for birds, bees and butterflies
Discover how beautiful native plants can bring these allies to your yard, helping fight pests and improve garden productivity. Learn which natives might be right for your yard and how to plant and care for them without harmful garden chemicals. Plus, find out where to get native plants in your area.
Pesticide-free pest control
Discover effective, nontoxic ways to tackle weeds, pests and plant diseases. See how a few simple steps for preventing problems early on can save a lot of work later. Learn the latest techniques for managing problems safely, and find out where to go for reliable information. You can make your yard beautiful and safe for children, pets, wildlife and waterways.
Planting for pollinators
Troubled by the plight of bees and their brethren? Fear not, there are many ways you can make a safe haven for pollinators while helping your garden grow more beautifully. Learn the latest in the story of how pollinators are threatened, what is being done to help them and how you can play a vital part in the effort to bring them back. Learn effective ways to control pests without harming bees, find attractive plants to provide pollen, nectar and habitat in every month of the year and get tips for attracting pollinators of all sorts.
Water less, save more and keep your garden green
Want to save on your water bill? Discover the secrets of low-maintenance plantscaping with beautiful, water-wise plants. Learn how soil amendments, mulch and proper planting save water and prevent pest problems without toxic chemicals. Plus, get the basics of efficient irrigation using sprinklers, soaker hoses or a drip system.