Already cutting-edge with its own farmers markets, community gardens and seed-lending library, Ely, Iowa, is now starting free, hands-on gardening classes as a new vegetable demonstration garden is designed and planted. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Already cutting-edge with its own farmers markets, community gardens and seed-lending library, Ely, Iowa, is now starting free, hands-on gardening classes as a new vegetable demonstration garden is designed and planted. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

ELY – This small town between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids is doing big things when it comes to gardening.

I’ve mentioned that Ely already has its own farmers markets – both outdoor and indoor – as well as community gardens and a seed lending library within its public library.

Now the town is tackling a 40-by-40-foot vegetable demonstration garden, with guest speakers teaching hands-on gardening classes for free. Classes will be at the Ely community garden site, where Master Gardeners and other local gardening experts will help design and implement the vegetable garden. 

Ali Alldredge noted that speakers are scheduled beginning May 14, through June 14. If you have a gardening area of expertise and would like to present a class or lead a discussion of your favorite gardening topic after that date, contact the Ely Public Library at 319-848-7616 .

All of the classes are open to the public. The format will include a 15 minute presentation and 45 minutes of hands-on gardening or simply an hour long conversation with gardening enthusiasts at the demo garden.

Class topics include tomato staking techniques, three sisters gardening, peppers, flowers, organic pest control, weeds, seed saving and more. Contact the Ely Library at 319-848-7616 for more information.

These are the classes scheduled so far. All are open to the public.

May 14:Melissa Sharapova will present soil preparation for the first of a three part series on 3 sisters gardening at 7 p.m.

May 21:Peggy Green will present seed planting techniques and we will plant carrots, radish, lettuce and kale at 7 p.m.

May 24: Doug Smith will present several techniques for staking tomatoes at 12:30 p.m.

June 4: Melissa Sharapova will continue her series on 3 sisters gardening with planting squash at 7 p.m.

June 14: Melissa Sharapova will finish up her series on 3 sisters gardening with a discussion of polyculture, companion planting, herbs and plant guilds at 12:30 p.m.

June 18: Community herbalist and Master Gardener, Stephany Hoffelt, will discuss wellness gardens and gardening for health and home remedies at 7 p.m.