This workshop is hosted by the UCCE Master Gardeners and UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County.

Sustainable – Turning Dirt in to Gold: Nurturing soil is one of the best things you can do as a gardener. Plants thrive in soil that is teeming with life. Learn why soil health really matters and how to work with your soils to improve plant health and reduce disease and pests.

Composting – Active Composting: Learn the best way to make compost that will enhance your garden health. We will demonstrate hot and cold methods, optimal ratios of greens and browns, aeration, moisture, and uses for the final product.

Beneficial plants and insects – Attracting Pollinators, Beneficial Insects, and Other Natural Predators: An ecologically-sustainable garden is beautiful and able to attract and sustain pollinators and beneficial insects, reducing the need for pesticides. Learn how plant selection affects beneficial insect populations, which provide ecological benefits such as biodiversity and natural pest control. Habitat management provides a refuge for the insects during winter, and nectar and pollen resources, leading to increases in pollination and other beneficial insects.

Food preservation – What to Do with Zillions of Zucchinis? Did zucchini take over your summer garden? Did neighbors leave bags of zucchini on your doorstep? Did you get tired of making zucchini bread? Did you use zucchini to feed your worm bin or compost pile? There’s so much more you can do with zucchini other than freezing it. Learn multiple preservation techniques and recipes to preserve zucchini next summer to enjoy throughout the year.

Registration fee is $25 to cover light box lunch and workshop handouts. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Feb 9, 2019