Sustainable Contra Costa Announces February Workshops

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – Sustainable Contra Costa has announced its February calendar of educational workshops. Peruse the list and see what appeals to you, then book your spot!

Feb 15: More for Less (De-Cluttering / Simplifying), Pleasant Hill - 10 am - 12 noon

"Sometimes, the more you have, the more you have to lose, as those affected by the wildfires discovered last year. Denise Koroslev will help us focus on what really matters by finding balance in the home and eliminating unnecessary items to help maintain a clutter-free lifestyle. Organizing and de-cluttering can offer more freedom from excess housecleaning, more space in your home, and more time to spend with family and friends. Experts from Republic Services will provide sustainable tips on recycling the clutter you clear!"

Sat Feb 17: I've Installed my Water-Smart Garden - Now What? - Pittsburg - 10 am - 12 noon

"If you've converted your lawn to a beautiful water-smart garden, you'll want to keep it looking beautiful year-round. Instructor Patrice Hanlon, East Bay Times garden writer and Bay-Friendly Certified landscaper, has designed and maintained public gardens for over 20 years. The class will meet at the beautiful Living Green Gardens where Patrice will discuss simple methods of maintenance and care for your yard.

"In this hands-on class you will explore how to create a site analysis and a year-round garden maintenance plan. Learn about pollinator habitats and why they require a maintenance approach that may differ from conventional landscapes. A basic pruning calendar and sample maintenance plan template will be given to each participant."

Grow More Food in Harmony with Nature: Home Permaculture Workshop Series - Every Saturday in February.

Feb. 3: Soil: Ground Zero for Garden & Planetary Health

"Learn the definition and components of soil, and what it takes to best support your garden. Participants will be able to: identify soil characteristics based on texture, structure and types of plants growing in it; know what turns soil into dirt; understand basic plant biology (and why never to buy petrochemically-based fertilizers again); compost and vermicompost; understand the importance of organic matter in soil."

Feb. 10: Water: Slow it, Sink it, Spread it, Save it

"Whether El Nino or drought, learning how to capture and use water can transform your garden. Participants will be able to: identify the most relevant water capture system(s) for their property (may include swales, dams, earthworks, ponds, greywater); use an A-frame to identify contour lines (for swales), and know how to implement the best system for their circumstances."

Feb. 17: Trees, Guilds & Food Forests, and Options for Applying Them

"Purpose: 1. Learn how to identify which plants are needed, and then place plants so that they help each other grow for increased yield, soil health and less work for the gardener.

"2. Learn how to build structures such as herb spirals, keyhole beds or mandala beds to incorporate guilds.

"Participants will be able to: identify 6 critical functions of trees and how to use them in the garden; what types of trees and plants to use for desired functions; what to plant around trees; how to build high-density planting structures."

Feb. 24: To Seed or to Seedling

"Learn what is most cost and time effective to plant versus buy. What to know when working with seed packets or 6-packs of seedlings. Plant some seeds for your own garden. (Materials fee may apply.) Participants will be able to: read a seed packet, know where to find crucial growing information, set up recordkeeping, and distinguish which nursery plants are best to take home. Know which type of growing medium to use when, and how to make their own."

For more info, see Sustainable Contra Costa's web site.

• ALSO SEE: All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feeds: East Bay

--Pixabay image via tk8123