Scott Koepke of Soilmates teaches about the benefits of composting during Eco-Fest 2013 outside the NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Scott Koepke of Soilmates teaches the benefits of composting during Eco-Fest 2013 outside the NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Some of my favorite gardeners will be at Prairiewoods in Hiawatha this coming week.

Scott Koepke of Soilmates will give a vegetable gardening presentation this Thursday, Feb. 19; Sonia Kendrick of Feed Iowa First will join in a viewing on Sunday, Feb. 22, of the Terra Firma documentary that features her and two other veterans; and Linn County Master Gardener, Phil Phister, will share seed-starting and transplant tips on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Here is more from Prairiewoods on all three events:

Let’s Eat: Vegetable Gardening Basics

Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:00pm – 7:30pm: Learn the basics of growing your own produce in a fun workshop by Scott Koepke.
From seed to harvest, this class covers a comprehensive overview of what to consider when starting or expanding a typical home garden beyond flowers to food. In this class at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha), you will learn that it all begins with healthy soil. From there, discuss mapping/placement, rotations, companion plantings, tools, watering, mulching, tilling options, thinning, weeding, organic methods and season extensions. This is a fun and interactive class for beginners, as well as a useful brush-up for veterans, served up with New Pi Soilmates founder Scott Koepke’s contagious enthusiasm!

There is a suggested offering of $5, which will be accepted at the door.

Terra Firma Film Viewing

Sunday, Feb. 22, 1:30pm – 3:30pm: Discover how some veterans are combatting PTSD with farming with the Prairiewoods Staff & Sonia Kendrick.
Join a local documentary subject for a showing of the film that features her and two other Iowa veterans. Terra Firma: Suck It Up and Drive On is a documentary film that follows three female vets who joined the service in the mid ’90s to improve their lives. After returning to civilian life with PTSD, they found healing in farming. Sonia Kendrick, one of the three veterans in the film, will join us at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) for the viewing and a question-and-answer session. Popcorn will be available, and you are welcome to bring your own beverages and other snacks.

A free-will offering will be accepted at the door.

Register at http://prairiewoods.org/

Starting Seeds and Transplants Tuesday, Feb 24, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Improve and expand your garden by starting plants from seeds with Phil Pfister.
Starting flowers and vegetables from seed is not only fun and satisfying, but it also can be a cost-effective way to expand your garden and try less common varieties. In this class at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha), Linn County Master Gardener Phil Pfister will provide tips for seeding, transplanting, and setting flower and vegetable plants out in the garden. He also will teach techniques for extending the growing season for your flowers and produce.

The cost is $5.