Growing Knowledge at the Farm” Series Begins March 17 at Rutledge-Wilson Community Farm Park

The Master Gardeners of Greene County are again offering a series of gardening classes open to the public at Rutledge-Wilson Community Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146 in Springfield.

 The “Growing Knowledge at the Farm” series debuted in 2010 but is being offered again this year because of popular demand.

 The first class of 2011 begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 17 inside the community room (red barn) at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. “Discover the Benefits of Grafting” will be the first topic addressed and this special class has a pre-registration fee of $15.

 Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension, will teach this hands on class where participants will actually graft apple trees.

 Other upcoming classes in this series include the following:

•  April 28 – “Grow Terrific Tomatoes,” basic tomato knowledge will help you the best tomatoes ever.
•  May 19 – “Meet the Three Sisters,” this class deals with corn, beans and squash.
•  June 16 – “Manage Insects and Diseases in Your Garden,” deals with identifying problems and the strategies of integrated pest management in your garden.
•  July 21 – “Plan Now for a Fall Harvest,” addresses how to extend the growing season for a fall harvest.

 There is a minimal registration fee of $5 charged to cover the cost of materials. To pre-register, since space is limited, call Wilson-Rutledge Farm at 837-5949 or visit swmogardens.com/fogcalendar.