Spring at the DIY Center

by Kelly McBride-Gill, Elkridge Branch

Does springtime make you dream of gardening? Whether you’re new to gardening or expanding a well-tended garden patch, your library can help you get your green thumb going.

Start with one of our many books on garden planning to get ideas on layout, environmentally friendly growing techniques, and tips and tricks to help. Find inspiration at the Enchanted Garden at the Miller Branch. Get advice on your plans inperson by attending one of our classes, where Howard County Master Gardeners will share their knowledge and experience.

Then begin to prepare your space for planting. Healthy soil is the foundation of a good garden! Avoid tilling the ground, which breaks up valuable soil structure, by building a raised bed. Raised beds sit on top of the ground, with sidewalls built out of a range of materials such as wood board, haybales, logs, and more. The bed is then filled with nutritious soil and compost to help your plants grow strong. If you have an inground garden bed already, it’s a good idea to get your soil tested to see what nutrients it may need. The DIY Center at the Elkridge Branch has your tool needs covered, with saws, drills, shovels, and wheelbarrows available to borrow for free.

If you have limited space for growing, you can try growing flowers and vegetables in containers that can fit on a deck or balcony. Container gardening not only uses space efficiently, it also allows you to move your plants to catch the most sunlight in the spring and fall while avoiding too much sun in the summer. The raised height means you can garden without bending and kneeling, and gives protection from rabbits and groundhogs. Take a hands-on class on how to build a raised bed or container garden like salad table at the DIY Center, and then borrow the tools for free that you’ll need to construct one at home.

Now you’ll be ready to buy all the beautiful flowers or vegetable plants at your local gardening center!

tape measure and power tools;

Let's Talk DIY Power Tools

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3Xy3lYF

Visit the DIY studio to discuss the wide variety of power tools available to borrow. Includes demonstrations of applications, safe use, and accessories you may need, and the opportunity to use tools.

Sat Mar 4 11 am - 12:30 pm

Elkridge

Getting your Garden Ready for Spring

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3iWcBH7

Learn about sustainable gardening with Master Gardeners. Discover tips on spring-time gardening tasks for a range of garden types, including vegetable, perennial, and native plants.

Sat Mar 11 11 am - 12 pm

Learn to Build a Salad Table

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3ZTyZBB

Elkridge

Let's chat about what a salad table is and why you should build one. As a group, we move from plan to table during the demonstration.

Sat Mar 18 11 am – 12:30 pm

Earth Day: How to Build a Planter

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3jgRhfL

Elkridge

Make a stylish patio planter for Earth Day. We introduce materials, building techniques, and the proper use of all the tools you need to complete the project and bring some nature into your space.

Sat Apr 22 11 am - 12:30 pm

Elkridge

Earth Day: How to Build a Bamboo Trellis

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3DwR8eO

Trellises can give plants the space to grow in a garden, and bamboo is an ideal, renewable material. Learn the techniques for building a trellis with bamboo poles and lashing twine.

Sat Apr 22 1 - 2 pm

Elkridge

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