Wayne County Healthy Gardens for Healthy Communities
Seven weeks of classes, April 7-May 19, 2026.
MSU Extension Western Wayne Offices
33030 Van Born Rd., Wayne, MI 48184
Led by MSU Extension Educator Lindsey Kerr
Who is this class for? If you are new to gardening or frustrated by your lack of success, this class might be for you! Focusing on vegetables and flowers, this class is in-person and primarily hands-on. We're going to keep lectures to a minimum! There will be time for participants to ask questions and share experiences. We'll start seeds together and check on their progress. At the end of the seven weeks, we'll work together to plant the WIC Garden on site and participants can take home extra plants. This class is participant driven and topics may be adjusted to reflect the goals/needs of the community.
April 7. 10 a.m.-12pm. Welcome and Introduction
Description: Meet your fellow classmates, talk about what your gardening goals are and what we will learn in this class. Come prepared with some thoughts about vegetables or flowers you would like to grow this year.
April 14 - 10am-12pm. Jump into Seed Starting!
Description: Get your hands dirty and learn the basics of starting vegetable and flower seeds. We will be starting seeds for the WIC Garden located on site. All materials will be provided.
April 21 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Your Garden
Description: We'll talk about different types of gardening and what "Right Plant, Right Place” really means. We'll discuss the basic needs of plants, plant life cycles, and how to choose the right plant for your garden.
April 28 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Soils (dirt is a dirty word)
Description: Do you know the difference between soil and dirt? You will after this class! We will learn what soil is, why it matters, and the different types of soils. We'll also talk about soil amendments, like fertilizer and compost, and soil tests.
May 5 - 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Planting and Care
Description: Learn about when is the best time to plant, planting techniques, and maintenance (including watering and fertilizing).
May 12 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Common Problems: Managing Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Description: We'll learn about the challenges of gardening and how to deal with them. We'll talk about identifying weeds, good and bad insects, and garden diseases and stress symptoms.
May 19 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Planting Day!
Description: Today is the day when we plant some of our veggies directly in the WIC Garden! We'll learn about planting techniques and how to ensure your plants are off to a good start. Participants can take home extra plants!
Additional details:
Cost: $40.00 (Includes seed starting supplies, light refreshments.)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at midnight or when the class is full
Registration at the door is not available.
Payment Options: Credit Card: at this secure MSU payment site to expedite your seat reservation.
Your seat is not reserved until your balance is paid in full.
You will receive a confirmation email once you have registered and your balance is paid in full.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations registrations will be assessed a $10 cancellation fee.
This event will not be cancelled unless the facility closes.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
