Gardeners across Westmoreland County are invited to the Sept. 18 “Family Frolic” at the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens in Hempfield.
Children can learn about garden concepts at programs like “Compost Pizza,” “Growing Food from Scraps” and “Planting Fall Peas.” Their parents can learn about fall soil testing, composting, sheet mulching and more.
“We’re so grateful to be able to invite our community into the garden for a live event,” said Master Gardener Coordinator Mandy Smith. “Visitors can rotate through the workshops or attend one or two of their choosing.”
Fall is a good time to grow one last cool-weather vegetable crop, to keep flowers vibrant for as long as possible and, finally, to winterize.
“Right now is a great time to sow some late-season crops, like spinach, kale, greens and bok choy,” Smith said.
For those whose gardens are done for the season, particularly flower gardens, Extension officials in recent years have recommended leaving the garden as-is until spring, Smith said.
“It benefits the insect larva in giving them places to overwinter,” she said. “Leaving the seed heads for the resident birds gives them something to eat to bulk up for the winter.
“We’re thinking of the garden as not just a benefit to you, but also as an ecosystem for other creatures,” she said.
Many vegetable gardeners also plant a fall and winter cover crop that can be tilled into the soil in spring to add nutrients.
In addition to gardening programs, Extension officials will also give residents an update on the local Monarch butterfly population and discuss their staffed garden hot-line, where master gardeners can answer questions.
The “Fall Frolic” will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the center, 214 Donohoe Road in Hempfield. There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted.