Organic Gardening Classes Offered at the Garden at Eden

Naples, FL, September 26, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The Garden at Eden, Naples’ only community-based organic training farm, will open its grounds to the public for the 2010 growing season and offer a variety of organic gardening classes and seminars. Located at 2101 County Barn Road in Naples, the garden is operated by Eden Autism Services Florida.

Organic gardening classes are taught by John Puig, President of the Collier County Fruit Growers Association and a nearly-certified organic gardener.

Introduction to Organic Gardening will meet every Saturday between October 16 and November 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Topics to be covered include how to plan, properly plant, irrigate, protect, fertilize and harvest a fully organic garden and produce compost. The cost to attend is $175 per person. This class will not be held on November.

Water Reservoir Container Gardens will be taught November 14 between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This type of garden is easy for all ages and can be stored anywhere. Participants will learn how to build gardens, soil to water and air ratios, and the essentials of potting mixes. The cost to attend is $30 per person. Participants can take home a 4.5 cubit foot organic garden for an additional $50.

Composting in Southwest Florida will be the topic of a November 7 class from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For $30 per person, attendees will learn easy and fast ways to turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into soil additives, including worm ranching for fertility. Attendees can take home a worm ranch with worms and bedding for an additional $70.

Grow Sprouts! December 5 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn how easy and inexpensive it is to grow this healthy crop. All stages of planting, growth and harvesting will be discussed, and a sampling of different sprouts. The cost to attend is $30 per person.

Free community “Volunteer on the Farm” work Thursdays also begin on October 14, running from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Students seeking volunteer hours for school coursework and others are encouraged to join in the fun.

Meet the Farmer at Naples’ Whole Foods on September 28 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Mission of the Garden at Eden is to provide improved nutrition and vocational training for the students and residents of Eden Autism Services Florida and other interested youth groups. A division of the New Jersey-based Eden Institute, Inc., Eden Florida provides community-based lifespan services for children and adults with autism, as well as support to their families. For more information and a schedule of events at the garden, contact Raquel Torres, Development Specialist, at 239-992-4680, extension 210.

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