Plus Where to Look for Help in Your Own Community
As a beginner gardener and food preserver, I have really focused on learning from those who know all about the subject. However, the internet is big place with so many resources it can become overwhelming. As a student, I enjoy learning from those who not only know what they are teaching, but who do it in a fun and inspiring way. Here is a list of some of my favorite teachers.
I really like how Kevin breaks down the “why” of growing certain things for their benefits. I also enjoy his posts about things that he has grown that weren’t really worth the time and effort. He also shares things like how to set up an irrigation system, how to set up raised beds, and in-ground gardening tips.
I am huge fan of Becky over at Acre Homestead because she seems to really do it all: gardening, cooking, canning, and chickens all with a newborn in tow. She offers a lot of great cooking tips and the science behind it. She also brings you along for her garden season from start to finish and is honest about her successes and failures. It’s like Bob Ross, Alton Brown, and the Pioneer Woman conjured her up for us!
Mr. Charles Hancock, also known as the Old Alabama Gardener, shared many of his “secret” gardening tips for many years via Youtube. Sadly, he passed away in November 2021. However, his videos are still very relevant and offer the kind of valuable information you could only find from someone with decades of experience. His family is passionate about bringing awareness to Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity.
Toward Garden offers many videos on growing plants from seed. I enjoy the relaxing music and his straight-to-the-point direction. I find this to be helpful in having a visual of the growing process and how big I can expect plants to get.
I have only recently discovered Cassandra over at Becoming a Farm Girl. I was hooked right away by her personality and “give it to you straight” attitude. After only a few videos I feel like we have been best buds for years. She shares gardening and preserving tips for those who work full-time, live in small spaces, and just want to get started on a “back to roots” journey.
Online resources are a fantastic way to learn at our own pace in our own time. However, there are many community resources available to you as well.
First and foremost, check out the gardening section at your local public library. There are tons of books available to you for free. Just sign up for a free library card. Our local library allows you to hold on to checkouts up to 3 weeks. Don’t forget to look for other media like magazines and DVDs!
Next, most counties in the United States have a Master Gardener Association. “The main purpose of the organization is to promote responsible horticultural practices and education.” Source: http://msmastergardener.org. Many extension offices also offer in-person and virtual classes and volunteer opportunities. Here's a list of online classes my local group is currently offering for Zone 8:
Here are just a couple more extension office links but be sure to find your local office for the best information for your growing area.
Don’t forget to check out your local nurseries. Talk to those who work with plants in your growing area. Ask them for tips and recommendations!
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