Free gardening workshops to focus on soil health, pollinators, and vegetables

MEREDITH — Lakes Region gardeners of all experience levels can access a wealth of gardening information at Moulton Farm’s free “Good Gardening” workshops this spring. “People can attend all of the workshops or come to only one or two,” says John Moulton, owner of the Meredith farm. “The topics all link together, but people will learn some key things to do for a healthier and more productive garden even if they attend only one of the workshops.”

“Gardening Basics for New and Experienced Gardeners” will be held on Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. “The best plants and the best seeds will not perform well if you are not focused on the things that support your entire garden: soil and the nutrients in it,” Moulton said. “New gardeners can be confused about aspects of it, but they are not the only ones. Each year I talk with at least a couple of experienced gardeners who are having poor harvests or issues with pests and disease because they have overlooked something about their soil.” Moulton will share his decades of experience to guide new and experienced gardeners through caring for soil, determining what it needs, and how to provide that nutrition.

“How to Get More from Your Vegetable Garden” is the farm’s second gardening workshop of the season and will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 10 a.m. “Even with our challenging and variable weather, it is possible to grow and harvest vegetables from early spring through late fall in the Lakes Region,” said Moulton. The workshop will explore techniques including intercropping, succession planting, and season extending techniques. Moulton will also share his current recommendations for the best varieties of vegetables for the home gardener.

“Bugs and Insects You Should Love: Pollinators & Beneficials,” the third workshop, will be held on Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m. This workshop will explore the often overlooked but vitally important role of pollinators and insects at the farm and in your home garden. “Some of the most important members of our field crew are not on our payroll. They just fly in to visit the plants,” explains Moulton. “Yet we couldn’t farm without pollinators and you’d have a hard time gardening at home without them.” The workshop will focus on the bugs and insects to encourage in a garden and also give attendees the chance to learn what the farm is doing to encourage pollinators, such as bees, and how they use other beneficial insects as part of the farm’s integrated pest management program. Part of this workshop will include walking in the farm’s fields, so people are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes or boots as the surfaces will be uneven and most likely muddy.

These workshops are free and suitable for gardeners of all experience levels. No pre-registration is necessary. More information can be found at www.moultonfarm.com.

Moulton Farm is located at 18 Quarry Road off Route 25 in Meredith and practices sustainable agriculture. It is dedicated to providing the highest quality fruits and vegetables while preserving its rich soil for future generations. In addition to growing its own produce, the farm offers vegetable plants, herbs, annuals, perennials, fruit trees, and garden supplies including soils and amendments. Also available at the farm are baked goods and prepared foods from the farm’s kitchen and bakery, cider doughnuts from Cider Bellies, seafood from Sal’s Fresh Seafood, and a quality selection of meats, cheeses, and other items from northern New England producers. More information can be found at www.moultonfarm.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MoultonFarm.

“Bugs and Insects You Should Love: Pollinators & Beneficials” is just one of the topics covered in the free gardening workshops offered at Moulton Farm this spring.  The first workshop is on Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m.  For more information visit www.moultonfarm.com. (Courtesy photo)