13-14GMarketWorkshopsThe cooler months are prime vegetable growing season here in Southwest Florida. With many residents and seasonal visitors discovering the benefits of backyard gardening, the Alliance for the Arts GreenMarket is bringing the community a new series of free “Growing Season” workshops.

Presented by local growers, master gardeners, and homesteaders, the classes will take place at 10:30AM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month beginning in October and running through March 2014. Presenters will cover everything you need to know to grow a successful organic garden, including soil preparation, growing techniques, earth-friendly pest control, crop selection, what to do with small or shady spaces, preserving the harvest, composting, and more. The workshops are free, but a suggested $5 donation will help sustain the market and support year round community activities at the Alliance.