GREAT ESCAPE: "Grow It, Eat It" classes

Think of it as the great escape that keeps on giving—a gardening class taught by the experts of Harford County’s Master Gardener program.

 Walking into your backyard, or onto your patio, porch or balcony to pick a fresh tomato this summer is a journey that begins now. Attending a "Grow It, Eat It" gardening class will give you the insight you need to start the journey with confidence. And in time, you will see that what began as an hour spent learning vegetable gardening basics will reward you in the months and years to come.

 I know this from experience. Three years ago, I sat in my first "Grow It, Eat It" class with a friend. It was a sunny early spring day and although getting away from home for a few hours was my only goal, I left with a sense of discovery that still leads me to the garden today. After three years of trial, error and triumph, vegetable gardening has become a way for me to escape daily stressors, feed my family and teach my oldest child about the cycle of life. Indeed, it turns out that attending the class has been a gift that has kept giving.

 "Grow It, Eat It" classes, offered at locations around the county this month and next, are part of the University of Maryland Extension program. The program is a statewide educational initiative within the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that provides assistance to Maryland citizens based on the research and experience of land-grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

 You will walk away from the basic gardening class knowing things like how to sow seeds properly, what kind of soil to use, how often to water and whom to call when you have a question. If you’ve gardened before, there are more advanced class offerings to help you expand your bounty this summer.

 There are few things more rewarding than eating a fruit or vegetable that has just been picked off of its vine. Thanks to "Grow It, Eat It," you are only a great escape away from doing just that and saying farewell to buying all of your vegetables from the produce section of the supermarket this summer.

 Harford County Extension Office: (410) 638-3255

Class Offerings: http://growit.umd.edu/ClassesAndEvents/Harford%20County.cfm

Registration Instructions: Pre-registration for all classes is mandatory.  Seats are limited. Classes held at Harford County Public Library locations are free. Classes held in other locations require a $5 fee, payable at the door. Register by calling the Harford County Extension Office.

Free Gardening Resources: http://growit.umd.edu/