A practical seminar designed to take you from a patch of grass to a fully functional growing space. This seminar strips away the guesswork and focuses on the physical labor, materials, and structural decisions required to create a garden that lasts. We will walk through the entire construction process: from analyzing your yard for the best sun exposure and drainage to selecting rot-resistant building materials and installing irrigation. Whether you are building your first raised bed or setting up a “no-dig” plot, this class provides the confidence you need to build a garden with your own two hands.
Audience Target: Adults and teens ages 10+. Ideal for anyone looking to build their first garden, or for gardeners looking for other methods of garden construction.
Format: Seminar & Tour
Workshop Benefits/Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze Site Logistics: Participants will be able to evaluate their property to determine the optimal garden location based on solar aspect (minimum 6–8 hours of sunlight), proximity to a water source, and soil drainage patterns.
-
- Compare and Select Building Materials: Attendees will be able to identify the pros and cons of various construction materials balancing cost, longevity, and environmental safety.
- Design and Install Efficient Irrigation: Participants will be able to plan a basic drip irrigation or soaker hose system, including how to connect to an outdoor spigot and use a mechanical timer to automate watering.
- Construct Physical Pest Barriers: Attendees will learn how to build and attach protective structures, such as removable “low tunnels” or trellis frames, to defend crops against birds, deer, and common North Carolina insects.
Fee: $17 for non-members, $5 for members
Presenter: Chad Shelby has been studying Horticulture since 2018. He has a passion for education and loves to bring excitement and passion to the classroom. He has been the project manager for several pro bono projects, specifically for non-profit organizations. Chad has spent the past six months developing new and exciting Horticulture Education programs for CFBG and is excited to share them with the public.
Registration: Pre-registration encouraged, in-person ticket sales end when the garden closes. https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000146
