Classes offer fall gardening tips

Do you know what needs to be done to prepare your garden for the coming season?

The following Community Education classes can help with fall gardening chores.

For information or to register, contact Community Education at (320) 762-3310 or visit the its website at www.alexandria.thatscommunityed.com.

Fall Bulbs for Spring Blooms: Learn what tulip bulbs are hardy in our zone and how to plant them.  Discover how to force spring bulbs for indoor blooming. Instructor Robin Trott is the horticulture extension educator for Douglas County. The class is Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Extension Office Meeting Room, 720 Fillmore Street, Alexandria. Cost is $14.

Landscaping Your Septic System: There are aesthetic options for landscaping to help the looks and function of a septic system. Instructor Adam Hjelm is the education coordinator for the Sauk River Watershed District.

The class is Thursday, September 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Jefferson High School (JHS) media center, Alexandria. Cost is $7.

Roasting Vegetables: Learn from Master Gardener Irene Seppanen how to roast vegetables and sample a few.  The class is Thursday, September 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jefferson High School Room 401 in Alexandria. Cost is $12.

Rain Garden: A rain garden is native perennials, grasses and shrubs planted in a depression that captures rainwater runoff from a roof, driveway or other hard surface.  Rain gardens reduce the amount of storm water runoff and pollution into lakes and streams. Learn about site selection, design and installation. Hjelm will instruct.

The class is Wednesday, October 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the JHS media center, Alexandria. Cost is $7.

Berries: Learn how to grow strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and which varieties are best for our area. Instructor Lewis Struthers is a master gardener, beekeeper and retired physician.

The class is Thursday, October 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Discovery Middle School (DMS) media center in Alexandria. Cost is $12.

Putting Your Garden to Bed: 10 Fall Chores You Shouldn’t Miss: End your garden season with a few chores that will set you up for spring success. The instructor is Robin Trott.

The class is Tuesday, October 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Extension Office meeting room, 720 Fillmore Street, Alexandria. Cost is $12.

Perennials 101 – The Fall Version: Learn to transplant and divide plants, determine which plants should be brought inside or left outside for the winter, and prepare for the next year of gardening. The class will be held Thursday, October 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. at DMS Room D250.

Cost is $12.

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