Published: Apr 03, 2023 07:00 AM

Newtown Parks & Recreation is offering two upcoming classes for gardening enthusiasts age 18 and older. Each session costs $39, will be held at Newtown High School from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, and both will be taught by Newtown resident Nicole Christensen.

The first, “Houseplants 101” (Activity 317105 A), is planned for Monday, April 24.

While many gardeners have great green thumbs when it comes to outdoor plants, they are often challenged with indoor plants. For those who struggle with keeping indoor plants healthy, Christiansen will expand that knowledge and know-how.

She will cover all sorts of houseplant situations and offer advice on how to maintain and overwinter indoor potted plants (and when and what to put outside in warmer weather). From common varieties of houseplants to orchids, African violets, and everything in between, students will tackle the different challenges of indoor gardening and learn how to make houseplants work for them.

The second workshop, “Backyard Bounty — A Guide To Vegetable Gardening” (Activity 317108 A), is scheduled for Monday, May 8.

Christensen’s first lesson for this topic is “You don’t need to have a farm to keep a vegetable garden!”

In this class, she will go over what it takes to keep a great vegetable garden in this area. Students will learn what vegetables and herbs work best and where, when to plant and harvest throughout the entire season, and what common pests and plant diseases can strike (and what to do when they do).

From containers to raised beds, students will get ready for summer and feed family and friends right from the backyard.

To register or learn about other offerings, call 203-270-4373 or visit newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation.

Future trips to the grocery store may be scaled back after taking a Newtown Parks & Rec workshop on vegetable gardening being offered in early May. Squash samples were among the suggestions for local gardeners presented in a booth at the CT Flower & Garden Show earlier this year. —Bee Photo, Hicks