HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A day filled with free gardening information for homeowners and gardeners has been scheduled for Saturday, March 8. The Hutchinson Horticulture Club organizes and sponsors this event as their educational project for the community. It will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 407 East 12th just west of the Cosmosphere. After missing two years because of Covid, the Club resumed having this annual event in 2023. If not for those Covid years, this would be the 36th year for this event.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the morning session beginning at 9:00 a.m. The first topic is Backyard Chickens by Patrick Bergkamp, Reno County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent with K-State Research & Extension. Since eggs are so expensive, this might be a project to contemplate. He will cover the things a person should consider before purchasing chickens and starting this type of endeavor. Next at 10:00 a.m., the topic The Sweet Slice of Summer: Growing Tomatoes in Kansas will be presented by Jason Graves, Horticulture Extension Agent for the Central Kansas District with K-State Research & Extension. This presentation will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy plants, selecting top-performing varieties, and growing tomatoes for maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, learn how to enjoy a true slice of summer. The last presentation for the morning will begin at 11:00 a.m. Calla Edwards, Butler County Horticulture Agent with K-State Research and Extension, will present Sedums and other Succulents. Sedums are well known for using less water. In the past few years, the availability of various varieties of Sedums and other succulents has increased dramatically. She will share photos of some of her favorites and give suggestions for their use in the landscape.
The afternoon programs will resume at 1:00 p.m. with Mike DeRee, Sales Representative for Ball Seed Company, presenting The Best Annual and Perennial Plants., He will be looking back thru the years and reviewing those plants that have proven themselves as true winners to consider as potential additions to your gardens. At 2:15 p.m., Kevin Nelson, a Master Gardener from Douglas County, will speak about Gardening as We Age. This presentation will make the case for the benefits of gardening and will encourage gardeners to continue well into the golden years. He’ll give examples of how to alter your beds, your plant choices and your tools so you can still do the most with the space you have for as long as you choose.
There will be no charge to attend any of the “Gathering for Gardeners” programs although registration at the door is requested. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the day. This schedule is designed so individuals may attend any or all of the topics.
For more information, visit the Hutchinson Horticulture Club on Facebook.
