Programs: Gardening

Growing Together - Community Gardening at the Library!

The Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield is excited to kick off its 2026 gardening classes! In collaboration with our local Johnston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, this series is designed to engage the community in hands-on learning about gardening, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

This multi-faceted program will offer educational opportunities for all ages and skill levels, featuring expert-led lectures, children’s gardening activities, and complimentary seed kits to encourage home gardening. These kits will include a variety of seeds suited to local growing conditions and are available at the Patron Services Desk while supplies last.

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Gardening Lecture/Class Series for All Ages

The gardening lecture series will bring together Johnston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to share insights on a variety of topics, including Spring/Summer Gardening, Tomatoes, Hydroponic Gardening, Food Preservation, Seed Saving, and Fall/Winter Gardening. The schedule is listed below and there is no registration required. (Schedule may be subject to change. Please check back on our website or social media for any updates).

2026 General Gardening Classes Dates & Topics

(all classes are from 10AM to 12PM)

Saturday, March 14: How to Grow Herbs Indoors and Outdoors & Incorporate Them in Your Meal
Saturday, May 16: Alternative Composting/Urban Gardening
Saturday, June 20: Propagation
Saturday, July 18: Alternative Propagation
Saturday, September 19: Fall Gardening
Saturday, October 17: Houseplants

LOCATION:
Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield
Multipurpose Meeting Room on 2nd Floor
305 E. Market Street, Smithfield
(Parking lot is off 3rd Street)

Children's Gardening Program

For young gardeners, there will be a children’s gardening program, which will integrate hands-on learning activities in the newly established children’s garden that is supported by North Carolina State University’s Steps to Health Program. The children’s gardening program will also be facilitated by Johnston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.

Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about garden care, planting and harvesting, and nutrition benefits of fruits and vegetables in a fun and interactive environment, fostering an early appreciation for nature and sustainability. The schedule is listed below and there is no registration required. (Schedule may be subject to change; please check back on our website or social media for any updates).

Spring 2026 Schedule:

Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Spring Planting (children of all ages)
Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Spring Flower Planting (children of all ages)
Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Let's Make a Garden Cake (children of all ages)

Summer 2026 Schedule:

Please note that the 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. session is designed for preschool-aged children and the 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. session is designed for elementary school-aged children.

Saturday, June 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Summer Planting (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Summer Planting (school-aged children)
Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Soil Types and Properties, Composting, and Mushrooms (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Soil Types and Properties, Composting, and Mushrooms (school-aged children)
Saturday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Potatoes (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Potatoes (school-aged children)
Saturday, June 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Southern Peas (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Southern Peas (school-aged children)
Saturday, July 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Garden Critters, Friend or Foe? (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Garden Critters, Friend or Foe? (school-aged children)
Saturday, July 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Peppers (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Peppers (school-aged children)
Saturday, July 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Focaccia Bread and Herbs (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Focaccia Bread and Herbs (school-aged children)
Saturday, August 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Alliums and Edible Flowers (preschool-aged children)
Saturday, August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Alliums and Edible Flowers (school-aged children)

Parents/caregivers of participating children are encouraged to bring their child’s own garden gloves and tools (with name written on them in permanent marker) if they have any.