MONROE - Ever wanted to grow your own vegetables, but weren't sure how to get started?
The South Central Wisconsin Master Gardener Association will present a special all-day workship on vegetable gardening Saturday, March 14 at Ludlow Mansion in Monroe.
Titled "Gardening Inspirations for All Seasons - Vegetables from Garden to Table," the event is the group's second annual gardening symposium. It is open to the public, and both novice and experienced gardeners are welcome.
Increasing concerns about the safety of the food supply, in addition to the economic recession, makes it the perfect time to think about growing your own vegetables, the group says.
"We are very excited this year to have five speakers educating us on growing our own vegetables," said event organizer Susan Kanopacki. "Now, more than ever, is the time to take control of our own food supply, especially with all of the health scares, as well as increasing prices.
"We plan on covering everything from improving your soil and growing organically to learning how to preserve your harvest. We are also going to touch on how CSAs operate as well as where our food really does come from and why we should eat locally. It should be a great day," she said.
Topics covered by expert gardeners will be: Improving Soils for Better Plant Growth, presented by Sherry Combs, former director of the University of Wisconsin Soil and Plant Analysis Lab in Verona; Sustainable Vegetable Gardening, presented by Lu Vail, Crescent Moon Organic Gardening in Albany; Community Supported Agriculture with Heirloom Vegetables, presented by Lisa and Jeff Bartig of Living Soil Community Farm in Brooklyn; Preserving Your Garden's Bounty, presented by Barbara Ingham, U.W. Extension food science specialist; and Learning Globally, Eating Locally, presented by Jennifer Esperanza of Beloit College.
New this year will be a silent auction. "We will be having many great items to bid on, including a beautiful leaf casting that are so popular now," Konopacki said.
The symposium will run from 8:30 to 4 p.m. Registration costs $30 if made before March 6, and $40 after that date. Registration includes refreshments, lunch and resource materials.
Konopacki urged participants to register early, as seating will be limited and is on a first-come basis.
Registration information, including name, address, phone and e-mail address, should be sent to U.W. Extension, N3150B Wis. 81, Monroe, WI 53566. The phone number is 328-9440.
The Master Gardener program consists of trained volunteers who help community members better understand horticulture and their environment. More information about the Master Gardener program is available by calling Green County Ag Agent Mark Mayer at the 328-9440.
The South Central Wisconsin Master Gardener Association will present a special all-day workship on vegetable gardening Saturday, March 14 at Ludlow Mansion in Monroe.
Titled "Gardening Inspirations for All Seasons - Vegetables from Garden to Table," the event is the group's second annual gardening symposium. It is open to the public, and both novice and experienced gardeners are welcome.
Increasing concerns about the safety of the food supply, in addition to the economic recession, makes it the perfect time to think about growing your own vegetables, the group says.
"We are very excited this year to have five speakers educating us on growing our own vegetables," said event organizer Susan Kanopacki. "Now, more than ever, is the time to take control of our own food supply, especially with all of the health scares, as well as increasing prices.
"We plan on covering everything from improving your soil and growing organically to learning how to preserve your harvest. We are also going to touch on how CSAs operate as well as where our food really does come from and why we should eat locally. It should be a great day," she said.
Topics covered by expert gardeners will be: Improving Soils for Better Plant Growth, presented by Sherry Combs, former director of the University of Wisconsin Soil and Plant Analysis Lab in Verona; Sustainable Vegetable Gardening, presented by Lu Vail, Crescent Moon Organic Gardening in Albany; Community Supported Agriculture with Heirloom Vegetables, presented by Lisa and Jeff Bartig of Living Soil Community Farm in Brooklyn; Preserving Your Garden's Bounty, presented by Barbara Ingham, U.W. Extension food science specialist; and Learning Globally, Eating Locally, presented by Jennifer Esperanza of Beloit College.
New this year will be a silent auction. "We will be having many great items to bid on, including a beautiful leaf casting that are so popular now," Konopacki said.
The symposium will run from 8:30 to 4 p.m. Registration costs $30 if made before March 6, and $40 after that date. Registration includes refreshments, lunch and resource materials.
Konopacki urged participants to register early, as seating will be limited and is on a first-come basis.
Registration information, including name, address, phone and e-mail address, should be sent to U.W. Extension, N3150B Wis. 81, Monroe, WI 53566. The phone number is 328-9440.
The Master Gardener program consists of trained volunteers who help community members better understand horticulture and their environment. More information about the Master Gardener program is available by calling Green County Ag Agent Mark Mayer at the 328-9440.
