Join us on Saturdays at 10:00 am!

2026 Gardening Classes

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Registration Coming Soon!

Join us for our 2026 Gardening Classes!

Taught by our Master Gardener Volunteers classes will be held on Saturdays @ 10:00 am.

Sign-up for as many classes as you would like.

2026 Gardening Classes

Date & Time Topic Description

Saturday, January 10th @ 10:00 am Backyard Maple Syrup During this class we will introduce you to the process of maple syrup creation and teach you how to make real maple syrup as we touch briefly on the history of syrup production, discuss tree identification, learn about tree tapping, and the collection and processing of sap into syrup. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, January 24th @ 10:00 am Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Learn about the history, benefits, and proven best practices for growing Shiitake mushrooms on logs at home or for small scale commercial use. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, January 31st @ 10:00 am Winter Sowing Winter Sowing is an easy, low-cost way to start seeds in outdoor containers. Learn how and why it works, and get step-by-step instructions to start your seeds as early as December.In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, February 28th @ 10:00 am Understanding Healthy Soil This class delves into the hidden world beneath our feet, exploring the fundamental principles of understanding and cultivating healthy soil. Participants will embark on a journey through soil science, learning about its composition, structure, and the dynamic interactions between microorganisms, plants, and the environment.
This course emphasizes sustainable practices, teaching students how to enhance soil fertility, prevent erosion, and mitigate pollution. Students will gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about soil health in various contexts, from agriculture to landscaping. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, March 7th @ 10:00 am Starting a Vegetable Garden During this class you will learn all about vegetable gardening from deciding where to put your garden to when to harvest your bounty.You will also learn about numerous crops that grow well in our area, how and when to plant them, and how to care for your garden throughout the year.In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, March 14th @ 10:00 am Growing Fruit in your Backyard Whether you already have a small orchard or you are looking to add some berries to your vegetable garden, this is the class for you. We'll talk about tree fruit such as apples and pears, some uncommon fruits like pawpaws and serviceberries, and small fruit such as raspberries and strawberries.For each type of fruit, we will talk about plant requirements, basic maintenance, and potential pests.In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.

Saturday, March 28th @ 10:00 am Home Composting Not sure what to do with your kitchen, garden, and yard scraps? Would you like to start composting at home? Come learn the basics of home composting including what, where, and how to compost.We also will provide proven suggestions for your home compost bin design and discuss vermicomposting (composting with worms).

Saturday, April 11th @ 10:00 am Cover Crops for the Home Vegetable Garden Cover crops are usually planted after an edible crop is harvested and are used to protect the soil surface.They can also add organic matter, provide aeration, and improve overall soil health.There are many different plants to choose from depending on the size of your garden, what your goals are, and timing.Join us as we explore different types of cover crops that can be used to protect and enhance the soil in your vegetable garden!

Saturday, April 18th @ 10:00 am Integrating Native Plants into the Home Garden Native plants can enhance your garden by adding structure, color, and texture, as well as food for native fauna such as pollinators and birds.During this class we will explore plants native to our region and how you can successfully integrate them into your current gardens, transforming them into beautiful native sanctuaries.

Please bring photos, site plans, and plant lists from your current gardens. After a short presentation we will work together to develop a multi-year plan to integrate natives throughout the landscape.

Saturday, May 16th @ 10:00 am Friend or Foe: Identifying and Managing Insects in your Garden In a healthy garden ecosystem, insect abound.Which ones are friends and which ones are foes?Learn how to attract insects friends and manage insect foes.Then take a walk outside and apply what you have learned!

Saturday, September 5th @ 10:00 am Introduction to Landscape Design Good garden design teaches you to see and work with your property, soil, architecture, terrain, and existing flora.Learn how to turn ideas into sustainable designs.

Saturday, October 3rd @ 10:00 am Putting the Garden to Bed Discover best practices for preparing your garden for winter. Learn which plants to cut back, which to leave for wildlife and protection, and how to guard plants against wind and deer damage.

Saturday, October 10th @ 10:00 am Lawn Elimination & Reduction Picturesque lawns require vast inputs of time, energy, lawn care products, and water, but offer little wildlife habitat or food for people. This program will cover the basics of lawn reduction or elimination for the homeowner. We will discuss your goals, budgeting time and money, site assessment and site preparation, as well as the selection of appropriate plant material, including tips for establishing a wildflower meadow.

Saturday, November 7th @ 10:00 am Native Grasses These often-overlooked plants provide texture, low-maintenance, and adaptability. Learn which species thrive in moist soils or dry landscapes, and how to use them effectively.

Fee

$10 per class / $0 per class (solidarity pricing for those who cannot pay at this time)

Register

Coming Soon!

Contact

Katy Boula
Master Gardener Program Coordinator
keb332@cornell.edu
(845) 344-1234, Ext. 240

Location

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County
18 Seward Avenue
Suite 300 (third floor)
Middletown, New York 10940

Last updated December 18, 2025

Date & Time	Topic	Description
Saturday, January 10th @ 10:00 am	Backyard Maple Syrup	During this class we will introduce you to the process of maple syrup creation and teach you how to make real maple syrup as we touch briefly on the history of syrup production, discuss tree identification, learn about tree tapping, and the collection and processing of sap into syrup. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.
Saturday, January 24th @ 10:00 am	Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation	Learn about the history, benefits, and proven best practices for growing Shiitake mushrooms on logs at home or for small scale commercial use. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.
Saturday, January 31st @ 10:00 am	Winter Sowing	Winter Sowing is an easy, low-cost way to start seeds in outdoor containers. Learn how and why it works, and get step-by-step instructions to start your seeds as early as December.In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.
Saturday, February 28th @ 10:00 am	Understanding Healthy Soil	This class delves into the hidden world beneath our feet, exploring the fundamental principles of understanding and cultivating healthy soil. Participants will embark on a journey through soil science, learning about its composition, structure, and the dynamic interactions between microorganisms, plants, and the environment. This course emphasizes sustainable practices, teaching students how to enhance soil fertility, prevent erosion, and mitigate pollution. Students will gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about soil health in various contexts, from agriculture to landscaping. In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.
Saturday, March 7th @ 10:00 am	Starting a Vegetable Garden	During this class you will learn all about vegetable gardening from deciding where to put your garden to when to harvest your bounty.You will also learn about numerous crops that grow well in our area, how and when to plant them, and how to care for your garden throughout the year.In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.
Saturday, March 14th @ 10:00 am	Growing Fruit in your Backyard	Whether you already have a small orchard or you are looking to add some berries to your vegetable garden, this is the class for you. We'll talk about tree fruit such as apples and pears, some uncommon fruits like pawpaws and serviceberries, and small fruit such as raspberries and strawberries.For each type of fruit, we will talk about plant requirements, basic maintenance, and potential pests.In the event of inclement weather, this class will be held virtually via Zoom.
Saturday, March 28th @ 10:00 am	Home Composting	Not sure what to do with your kitchen, garden, and yard scraps? Would you like to start composting at home? Come learn the basics of home composting including what, where, and how to compost.We also will provide proven suggestions for your home compost bin design and discuss vermicomposting (composting with worms).
Saturday, April 11th @ 10:00 am	Cover Crops for the Home Vegetable Garden	Cover crops are usually planted after an edible crop is harvested and are used to protect the soil surface.They can also add organic matter, provide aeration, and improve overall soil health.There are many different plants to choose from depending on the size of your garden, what your goals are, and timing.Join us as we explore different types of cover crops that can be used to protect and enhance the soil in your vegetable garden!
Saturday, April 18th @ 10:00 am	Integrating Native Plants into the Home Garden	Native plants can enhance your garden by adding structure, color, and texture, as well as food for native fauna such as pollinators and birds.During this class we will explore plants native to our region and how you can successfully integrate them into your current gardens, transforming them into beautiful native sanctuaries. Please bring photos, site plans, and plant lists from your current gardens. After a short presentation we will work together to develop a multi-year plan to integrate natives throughout the landscape.
Saturday, May 16th @ 10:00 am	Friend or Foe: Identifying and Managing Insects in your Garden	In a healthy garden ecosystem, insect abound.Which ones are friends and which ones are foes?Learn how to attract insects friends and manage insect foes.Then take a walk outside and apply what you have learned!
Saturday, September 5th @ 10:00 am	Introduction to Landscape Design	Good garden design teaches you to see and work with your property, soil, architecture, terrain, and existing flora.Learn how to turn ideas into sustainable designs.
Saturday, October 3rd @ 10:00 am	Putting the Garden to Bed	Discover best practices for preparing your garden for winter. Learn which plants to cut back, which to leave for wildlife and protection, and how to guard plants against wind and deer damage.
Saturday, October 10th @ 10:00 am	Lawn Elimination & Reduction	Picturesque lawns require vast inputs of time, energy, lawn care products, and water, but offer little wildlife habitat or food for people. This program will cover the basics of lawn reduction or elimination for the homeowner. We will discuss your goals, budgeting time and money, site assessment and site preparation, as well as the selection of appropriate plant material, including tips for establishing a wildflower meadow.
Saturday, November 7th @ 10:00 am	Native Grasses	These often-overlooked plants provide texture, low-maintenance, and adaptability. Learn which species thrive in moist soils or dry landscapes, and how to use them effectively.

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Orange County

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Orange County

2026 Gardening Classes

Registration Coming Soon!

Join us for our 2026 Gardening Classes!