Let’s face it, gardening in Alaska has its challenges like cooler summers and soil, long daylight hours, and such a short growing season. Whether you’re just getting started, you’re frustrated with your current garden situation, or you just want to learn what more you can grow, this class is going to be incredible!

Valley Master Gardener Carol Hepler has graciously agreed to teach this year’s gardening class – and I could not be more excited for us all! Carol is a WEALTH of knowledge. She has been gardening in Alaska for as long as I can remember and — here’s the kicker — I’ve NEVER asked her a question that she couldn’t answer either from experience or from her interactions with other people.

Honestly, Carol is one of the wisest and most productive gardeners I’ve ever met. We are so honored to have her come teach our class and answer all of our gardening questions. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, you’ll learn from Carol.

The gardening class takes place on Saturday March 2 from 10 am – noon at Bear Booch at 3275 W Coghlan Cir in Wasilla.

Kombucha and Genesis Coffee Lab coffee will be available for purchase but you are welcome to bring your own drinks as well. Snacks will be provided.

In this interactive class we will discuss:

• The challenges of gardening in Alaska (short seasons, cool soil temps, long daylight hours, and microclimates)
• What grows well in Alaska (Variety, variety, variety!)
• Transplanting vs. direct sowing
• Growing in Greenhouses vs. Outdoors
• Pests
• Soil Amendments
• PLUS she will be avaiable to answer all of our questions.

If you’d like to know more about Carol, here is her bio:
Gardening has been a lifelong happening for me. I grew up helping in the garden as a child in Northern Iowa. After getting married, we moved around and experienced gardening in different climates: Southern Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Bethel, Alaska, and finally, the MatSu Valley, where we have been for over 30 years.

My husband and I always striven to provide as much of our own homegrown food for our family of 6 children as possible. We wanted good food, free of pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals. I have always enjoyed “putting food by” for the winter months.

I enjoy entering crops in the Fair and putting together garden displays. I am also part of the Crops judging team at the Fair.

My husband and I spend many hours pouring over seed catalogs, dreaming of next season. We grow all of our own bedding plants, save seeds of many things and make up our own organic fertilizer.

My favorite thing to grow is probably pumpkins. I enjoy having enough pumpkins for my grandchildren to each pick one to carve as well as have them to eat.

This class is going to be amazing – be sure to get your tickets soon!