Hosted by the City of Bridgeport and featuring WVU Extension Agent/Master Gardener Larry Campbell, Saturday’s gardening workshop at Benedum Civic Center was a success.

 

Among those taking advantage of the free learning opportunity was Donna Krivosky.

 

“I love gardening and thought it would be a fun class to take,” said Krivosky, an employee of the City of Bridgeport finance department. “In the past, I would grow a small vegetable garden and although I’m more into flowers now, I always love to learn anything new that I can.”

 

Krivosky said she learned that she can grow a garden regardless of available space.

 

“It can be a container garden, a raised garden or just a small piece of ground,” she said. “It all starts with the correct soil content.”

 

Krivosky said she also learned how to plant vegetables in order to get the most growth out of the garden and preventing weeds from taking over.

 

“We were also given a basil plant and four onion bulbs which we placed in a container to take home,” she said. “It was a very informative class and I’m glad I took the time to go.”

 

Sharon Ward and her daughter Andrea Reppert also attended Saturday’s session.

 

It was a very informative class and was helpful for all levels of gardeners from beginning to advanced,” Ward said. “We learned how to extend the growing season and how to protect plants from bugs and animals that ruin gardens.”

 

The workshop was part of an ongoing series promoting preparedness and self-sufficiency. It followed two late-2015 classes which focused on dry canning and dehydration. Ward said she attended those classes too and found them very informative and worthwhile.

 

The gardening topic seemed ideal for this time of year, said Laura Pysz, director of Bridgeport Emergency Services and organizer of the educational series.

 

“Who doesn’t want to garden? But not everyone has a green thumb, so there are some things that need to be taught – from planting flowers to planting a garden,” she said.

 

Saturday’s workshop – which took place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – provided the basics of gardening and gave attendees opportunity to ask Campbell, a gardening expert, any questions they may have.

 

 The benefits of gardening are many, Pysz said. Obviously, growing one’s own vegetables can save money and provide a fresh supply of healthy foods, but it is also good exercise, she said.

 

“The National Institute for Health recommends 30-45 minutes of gardening three to five minutes per week as a strategy to combat obesity. Digging in the dirt, being outdoors and connecting with nature has stress relief benefits too,” she said. “Finally, gardening is environmentally friendly and an ideal way to be part of an eco-friendly initiative.”

 

The series will continue. Stay tuned to Connect-Bridgeport for more information. Photos in the gallery below were provided by Pysz. 

 

Editor's Note: Photos are by Laura Pysz. See more at the gallery below. 

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City of Bridgeport Gardening Class