By KELLY L. HECKAMAN
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Kosciusko County

Garden away your winter blues with these upcoming classes and events at the Kosciusko county Purdue Extension.

Beekeeping and Honey, How Sweet It Is

6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, Travis Trump, Kosciusko County Beekeeper, will share some of the basics of beekeeping and the vital role honeybees play in our gardens and food system. Stephanie Faroh, Purdue Extension Educator, shares some of the common uses for honey, will demonstrate recipes, and help you determine if honey is a good option for your health.

Backyard Fruit Production

6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University Professor of Horticulture, will be presenting to us via webinar from campus. This session focuses on basic considerations for growing fruit in the home garden. How much space, which are easiest to grow and what are the common problems to watch out for will be shared to help you successfully grow nutritious and tasty fruit in your home garden.

Composting and Keeping the Fungus out of your Garden

6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, Amy Muncy, Master Gardener Intern, and Kelly Heckaman, Purdue Extension Educator, will present this session on composting and disease prevention. Learn simple steps you can take to become a great composter and disease preventer in your garden and landscape.

The Indoor Garden

6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Bringing the outdoor in can add color and interest the entire year. Maple Avenue Flowers will share tips on caring for African violets, orchids, general care and propagation of house plants and what planting medium is best for indoor plants. Bring your questions too!

This series is open to the public. The registration fee is $25 per person, $35 per family, or $10 per session and should be received by Tuesday, Feb. 24. This price includes eight hours of educational instructions, handouts, refreshments, and other landscape related information. Master gardeners who complete the class will earn eight hours of educational credit or two hours per session. You may also register for individual sessions for $10 per person and recieve handouts for that session.

If you have any questions or would like a copy of the registration flyer with complete session & speaker details, contact the Purdue Extension – Kosciusko County Office at (574) 372-2340 or visit the office’s website and look under Current Events.