Free Gardening Classes Begin in February

A series of 10 free classes designed to help residents raise better backyard gardens has been scheduled for February, March and April by the Parks & Recreation Department.  

Each weekly class will cover a different topic, from planning to harvesting.  

"People are looking to do more 'grow-your-own' backyard gardens," said Director Larry Bailey. "We'll cover a wide range of gardening subjects."  

He said participants will learn all types of gardening. The classes will be similar to the "Gardening 101" classes the Department offered last year.  All sessions will be held Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Clayton Community Center beginning Feb. 21. The classes, put together by the Johnston County Branch of the NCSU Cooperative Extension Service, are free, though the Extension Service requires a $15 materials fee.  

"People can take one class or the whole series," Bailey said.  

Please register by contacting the Department at 553-1550.

The Department also intends to begin work soon on a community garden at the Community Center site that will be used as a "teaching garden."