Free gardening kits, classes available to 11 through St. Luke’s

Ever wanted to have your own vegetable garden, but lacked the knowledge or money to get started? A grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont to St. Luke’s Church in Chester will make your garden easy and provide all the materials and instruction necessary for 11 people to have a functioning 9 foot by 12 foot vegetable garden for this growing season.

Lillian Willis

To qualify for this free program, potential gardeners should be a resident of Chester or Andover and must be physically able to garden; have the right sunny area available; commit to setting up, maintaining and watering the garden; attend four informational classes; and be willing to allow photographs of their garden so the required grant report can verify the program. Click here to download the application form. You may also contact Lillian Willis at 802-875-1340 to register or for more information.

More information is available under Special Events at www.stlukesepiscopalvt.org and can be found at the Chester-Andover Family Center, Chester-Andover Elementary School and Whiting Library in Chester.

All materials, seeds, plants (including some herbs) and most necessary hand tools will be provided, as will a layout plan, educational materials and demonstration classes. The four classes will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, May 14, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20. Each class will focus on one specific topic.

Session 1 will show how to cut and lay out the landscape fabric that allows in water and heat, but deters bugs and weeds, and also how to improve the soil for planting, how to plant the seeds and how to use the cover fabric to protect the plants.

Session 2 will discuss maintaining, watering and harvesting the garden, including use of herbs.

Session 3 will discuss collecting, cooking and storing the produce and even give some great recipes.

Session 4 will feature a cooking demonstration and tastings to show how easy and delicious cooking from the garden can be, and also explain how to extend the life of your garden as the weather gets colder.

All classes will be held at Willard Hall, which is located in the back of St. Luke’s Church at 313 Main St. in Chester.

This gardening experience will teach you new skills and save you money, provide healthy food for your family, help you become more self-sufficient, and build new interests and friendships.