The Independence County Master Gardeners are inviting the public to a free workshop on fall gardening scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s Gateway Center on East Main Street. The event, titled “Ready, Set, Grow,” will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Gateway Center’s spacious new facility, and no advance registration is required.
The presentation will feature Randy Forst, state advisor for the Master Gardener program, who will share practical strategies for planting fall fruits and vegetables, encouraging healthy plant growth, and tackling seasonal agricultural challenges. Local Master Gardener Cathy Shonk emphasized the value of these tips during an earlier radio interview, explaining that the session is designed to assist residents in building productive, self-sufficient home gardens.
Shonk also highlighted specific techniques attendees can expect to learn, including starting plants indoors during mid-July to avoid common pests like squash bugs, and timing crops to fit seasonal constraints—practices already being implemented by student gardeners at West Elementary school projects.
In addition to hosting the workshop, Shonk noted that the next Master Gardener training program is set to begin in October. The course will be held on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Thanksgiving, covering topics such as lawn care, native plants, forestry, and the importance of pollinator habitats. Interested individuals can contact Michelle Mobley at the local Extension Office for further details.
The “Ready, Set, Grow” workshop is open to everyone and aims to provide community members with the knowledge and skills to grow seasonal produce successfully.