Free classes in Prince William to teach gardeners about native plants

Prince William residents can learn more about native plants and how to grow them in free classes.

The classes are hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and the goal is to help people learn how to grow plants that help the environment.

“A sustainable landscape is one that supports our wildlife, but also one that has a lower maintenance and less input, such a fertilizer, pesticides and mowing. Natives are really important for beneficial insects that are predators or pollinators, as well as birds,” stated VCE Natural Resource Specialist Nancy Berlin in a release.

Class details, from a release:

On Feb. 3, at 1 p.m., there will be a discussion regarding the role of native plants in local ecosystems.

On Feb. 11, at 2 p.m., Larry Weaner will speak from his book “How Our Landscape Can be a Source of Environmental Change.”

The classes on Feb. 3 and Feb. 11 will be held at the Manassas Park Community Center located at 99 Adams St. in Manassas Park.

On Feb. 10, the class will focus on preparing to plant a vegetable garden where site selection and soil building are important.

On Feb. 17, the class will include information about maintaining the vegetable garden with an emphasis on the importance of crop rotation, composting, planting calendars and small-space gardening.

The classes on Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 will be held from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Potomac Community Library located at 2201 Opitz Blvd. in Woodbridge.

A class on Feb. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Haymarket-Gainesville Community Library, will focus on soil, seed starting, container gardening and rain gardens. For more information about these free classes and others, visit www.pwcgov.org/vce.  To register, visit www.pwcgov.org/grow or contact the Extension Horticulture Help Desk at 703-792-7747.