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Programs: Gardening
Growing Together - Community Gardening at the Library!
The Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield is excited to kick off its 2025 gardening education series! 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.
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. See class details by visiting https://bit.ly/PLJCS25Gardening (Schedule may be subject to change. Please check back on our website or social media for any updates).
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Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Spring/Summer Gardening
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Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Tomatoes
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Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Hydroponic
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Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Food Preservation
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Saturday, August 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Seed Saving
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Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Fall/Winter Gardening
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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 only registration required for the April 26 program. See class details by visiting https://bit.ly/PLJCS25KidsGardening (Schedule may be subject to change. Please check back on our website or social media for any updates).
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Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Make a Garden Cake (requires registration - FULL)
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Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Three Sisters - Beans, Corn, and Squash
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Friday, June 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Warm Season Vegetables
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Friday, June 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Pumpkins and Gourds
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Friday, June 27, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Legumes - All Types
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Friday, July 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Flowers - Companions, Food, & Garden Happiness
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Friday, July 18, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Pest and Pollinators: Garden Friend or Foe?
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Friday, July 25, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Herbs
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Friday, August 8, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Seed Saving with Valerie
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Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Fall/Winter Gardening Activity
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October - Date TBD from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Pumpkins and Gourds
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.