Local Garden Clubs
Contributed by S. Wallin
Spring is officially here—it’s time to get some seeds in the dirt! In our short grow- ing season, starting some vegetables and flowers indoors is essential for a success- ful harvest. Check your seed variety and count back from the first week of June, our typical frost-free date. Using a planting cal- endar can help organize staggered sowing times, and keeping seed packets in a dry, safe spot makes for easy reference later.
Some vegetables that thrive in our valley include carrots, peas, rutabagas, turnips, potatoes, cabbages, kale, and other greens. Easy-to-grow annual flowers that do well in both rain and shine include zin- nias, calendula, marigolds, phlox, dianthus, poppies, daisies, and godetia. Consider planting summer bulbs, corms, and tubers such as gladiolus, dahlias, begonias, and ranunculus. And don’t forget about fall-planted bulbs—many varieties mature, divide, and survive for several years. Some species, like daffodils, scilla, crocus, iris, and lilies, are even moose-resistant!
For expert gardening tips, reach out to our local greenhouses and nurseries, or visit the Mat-Su/Copper River Cooperative Extension at 1509 S. Georgeson Dr., located upstairs in the Kerttula Building on the UAF Experimental Farm campus.
Local Garden Clubs offer a great way to connect with fellow growers and learn from seasoned experts.
Mat-Su Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month (September– May) at 7 p.m. in Kerttula Hall. The public is welcome.
Meadow Lakes Bloomers meet at 10:30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Meadow Lakes Senior Center on Karen Street, east of Pittman Road.
Valley Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the basement of Grace Life Community Church (900 E. Leatherleaf Loop). Use the lower parking lot. These clubs feature informative speakers and engage in community projects—you may find one that’s the perfect fit for you!
Mat-Su Master Gardeners – Saturday, May 31, in the parking lot across from the Visitor Center near the picnic shelters.
Meadow Lakes Bloomers – Friday & Saturday, May 23–24, in the BJ’s parking lot near the Pittman/Sylvan and Parks Hwy intersection.
Valley Garden Club – Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 3700 E. Bogard Rd., home of the Mat-Su Boys & Girls Club.
We hope to see you there, supporting local growers and buying healthy, local- ly grown plants! Shopping local helps our economy and strengthens our food security.