Get Growing With Metro's Natural Gardening Program

Time to get down and dirty with free seminars and workshops that give hands-on opportunities to learn how to garden naturally and safely this season

Buds are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the grass is growing again—spring is here and Metro wants to help residents get outside and get growing. Throughout the summer, Metro and the Oregon State University Extension Service are teaming up with local organizations and experts to offer dozens of free workshops and seminars that will educate and inspire both beginner and advanced gardening fanatics. The free workshops and seminars cover a range of topics and provide advice on how to garden naturally, safely and wisely.

Participants can learn to grow fruits and vegetables organically or get valuable advice on composting, improving soil quality and practicing water-saving care for lawns and turf. They can also find out how to create a beautiful landscape with native plants and flowers to attract birds, bees and butterflies that will control pests without pesticides.   Talented presenters with diverse expertise head up this year’s events. Among them are Metro’s own gardening experts Carl Grimm, Glen Andresen and Paul Sanford. OSU horticulturist Weston Miller shares his expertise, and professional gardening writers Kym Pokorny of the Oregonian, Lisa Albert and Linda Beutler offer their unique insights.  

In addition to the expert advice and natural gardening tips, attendees will receive complimentary coupons and publications at each event. Though workshops and seminars are free, advance registration is encouraged. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available.  

Metro’s natural gardening workshops, which take place from March to October, are made possible in cooperation with the OSU Extension Service Community and Urban Horticulture Program, government partners and a variety of local businesses and organizations. For more information, to view the full list of workshops or to register, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/garden or call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000.  

Partial list of events for March

Saturday, March 20 – Grow your own organic veggies
Larsen Farm Nursery, Wilsonville
10 – 11 a.m.
Gardening author Linda Beutler shares time-tested tips for growing a variety of tasty vegetables year-round, controlling pests without poisons and watering without waste. 

Saturday, March 20 – Terrific turf without toxics
Ace Hardware, Forest Grove
10 – 11 a.m.
Learn from Metro gardening specialist Glen Andresen how to keep the lawn looking great while safely and effectively controlling weeds, preventing pests and watering wisely.  

Friday, March 26 – Starting veggie seeds
Energy Trust Better Living Show, Portland Expo Center
3 – 4 p.m.
Harvest time-tested tips for all aspects of starting veggies – from seed selection and ordering to equipment and tools; from bottom heat and lighting to thinning, transplanting and practicing organic pest control.  

Metro, the regional government that serves 1.5 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.