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.
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 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
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Saturday, March 14: How to Grow Herbs Indoors and Outdoors & Incorporate Them in Your Meal
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Saturday, May 16: Alternative Composting/Urban Gardening
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Saturday, June 20: Propagation
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Saturday, July 18: Alternative Propagation
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Saturday, September 19: Fall Gardening
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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).
Summer/Fall 2026 Schedule:
Children's gardening sessions are held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Classes are for children of all ages. See the dates below:
August
Saturday, August 1, 15, & 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
September
Saturday, September 12 & 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
October
Saturday, October 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
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. This is an outdoor program and may be subject to cancellation if there is inclement weather. Please check our website calendar for updates.