GARDENING CLASS BEING OFFERED AT LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDENS

Interested in learning about gardening and growing fresh vegetables? Healthy Archuleta is offering a series of classes that will focus on gardening basics. The classes are being offered starting Wednesday, April 23, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and will continue for the following four Wednesdays, April 30, May 7, 14, and 21. Vista Lake Community Garden and Pagosa Springs Community Garden have both graciously offered to provide space in their beds so that class participants can get some hands-on experience in what it takes to start a vegetable garden. The classes will cover basic knowledge about soil, how and when to start seeds, pest and disease control, and proper irrigation. Registration is open now and spots are limited. 

Gardening in Pagosa Springs presents some challenges when it comes to maintaining vegetable gardens. Weather, wildlife, and access to water all play roles in how successful a growing season will turn out. With the short growing season of approximately ninety days, the amount of time needed to get seeds and start out into garden beds in time can have everyone watching the calendar. However, the limited growing season can be extended by a few more weeks with a little creativity. With access to a greenhouse, a grow dome, or even a high tunnel, growing vegetables is possible as early as April and as late as October, given the right conditions. Most vegetables will grow and mature anywhere from 45 days to 65 days; this is true of most greens, once seeds have germinated. Long-season crops such as tomatoes, squash, or peppers will begin producing within 65 to 90 days; these fall within that three-month peak temperature range, that prime time to get the most out of what grows in the ground. However, aside from the mechanics of vegetable gardening, there are other important aspects of gardening.

​Gardening is good for our health for a number of reasons. Usually, exercise is at the top of that list, and it’s true, being outdoors and getting a dose of Vitamin D is definitely beneficial, and it can be a good boost to our mental health. There are also the economic benefits of growing fresh fruits and vegetables in home gardens. Given the price of groceries today, growing something as easy as potatoes or onions can make a difference in our pocketbook over a season. Gardening is also a way to meet our neighbors and make connections in the community.   

Now is a great time to learn how to garden and start growing some of your own food, connect with some fellow gardeners, and spend some time outside in the garden. Register now to participate in the upcoming Seed to Supper garden course or visit Healthy Archuleta’s calendar of events and look under the garden course at https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/events--happenings.html. Spots are limited, so register today! You can also keep up to date by following Healthy Archuleta on our Facebook and Instagram social media sites.