The Community Teaching Garden in Phelan continues to cultivate a love for gardening with its monthly classes, where community members can develop their skills and learn sustainable practices. Led by Michelle Hannon, a Master Gardener, Certified Master Composter, and graduate of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, these sessions provide hands-on instruction in a beautiful garden and orchard setting.
The next class, scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 10 a.m., will focus on preparing for a winter garden. Participants will learn how to directly sow cool-weather vegetable seeds into raised beds and propagate seeds in a seed-starting dome. This class is perfect for anyone looking to extend their growing season and enjoy fresh produce throughout the colder months.
Classes are held on the second Saturday of each month at 4176 Warbler Road, next to the PPHCSD Office and Phelan Community Center. In partnership with the Snowline Community Cabinet and the Parks and Recreation Department, these sessions aim to promote good nutrition and sustainable gardening practices within the community.
In October, participants will learn how to harvest vegetables and store fruits and vegetables so they stay fresh longer. In November, they will learn to use a greenhouse to gain a head start on the growing season or extend it. Special guest James Hannon will walk participants through growing hydroponically with a vegetable plant wall. To end the year, December’s class will cover planting and pruning trees.
While each class covers a different aspect of gardening, they all provide practical, hands-on experience. Michelle Hannon brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to each session, helping participants improve their gardens and foster a deeper connection with nature.
“Our Gardening classes are not just about growing plants; it’s about growing a community,” says Hannon. “These classes are a fabulous opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to learn, share, and grow together.”
In the most recent class in August, attendees learned about the essential nutrients that plants need to thrive and how to recognize signs of nutrient deficiencies. The session focused on the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are vital for different stages of plant growth. Hannon explained how nitrogen supports lush foliage, phosphorus aids in bud development, and potassium is crucial for flowering and fruiting.
The class also explored natural ways to supplement these nutrients using everyday items like coffee grounds for nitrogen, eggshells for phosphorus and calcium, banana peels for potassium, and Epsom salt for magnesium. Participants practiced making compost and applying these natural fertilizers, gaining practical skills to use in their gardens.
One participant shared her experience from the August class, saying, “My tomato plant was huge and very green but had very few flowers.” After discussing the issue with the class, it was suggested that adding phosphorus might help. “Within two weeks, my plant started producing many flowers,” she noted.
Looking ahead in 2025, the Community Teaching Garden is planning more exciting classes covering a wide range of gardening topics, from composting and soil health to pest management and plant propagation. Each session is designed to provide valuable information and practical skills that gardeners can apply immediately, whether they are beginners or experienced gardeners.
Classes are free and open to the public, making them accessible to anyone interested in improving their gardening skills or learning more about sustainable practices.
For more information on upcoming classes, visit www.pphcsd.org, check the PPHCSD lobby for a printed schedule for the year, or find upcoming classes in the Tri-Community NewsPlus newspaper. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from expert instructors and become a part of Phelan’s growing gardening community.
