It’s time to add gardening to your list of hobbies! The Bibb County University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and Brookdale Resource Center are providing another opportunity for you to learn how to plant your own produce and herbs with Seed Starting & Succession Planting at the Gardens at Brookdale. 

You can attend either of the classes held on Saturday, February 17 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or Sunday, February 18 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Classes are free and open to all ages, but registration is required. You can register here. 

“Many people are hesitant to start a garden because they aren’t sure they know how,” said Gardens at Brookdale Manager Susan Fisher. “Outside a few guidelines we throw out the ‘rules’ and break it down to be easy, fun, and beginner friendly. This is a hands-on class. You are joined by people that have the same interests, so you might even make a new friend!” 

 This class will focus on the essentials for gardening from preparing soil to starting seeds for later in the spring, such as tomatoes, peppers, herbs, eggplants, for planting in 6 to 8 weeks. The last class planted for early spring which included broccoli, cabbage, collards, lettuce, English peas, radish, carrots, and beets. 

Since the start of the Gardens at Brookdale last spring, we have harvested more than 4,000 pounds of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

“Not only does it bring awareness to Bibb County Extension services and Brookdale Resource Center, but during the classes they are helping us in the garden to provide fresh food for the residents who are experiencing homelessness,” said Fisher. “Everything we grow goes to the kitchen here at Brookdale.”