Happy New Year friends and neighbors of the San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG)!  

The SCCG is excited to kick off its 2025 Garden Education Workshop series, a unique opportunity for garden enthusiasts of all levels to improve their garden knowledge and skills and meet other like-minded folks. This year’s series will focus on sustainable gardening practices and practical tips to help you grow, harvest, and care for your landscape and patio gardens, save money, and create a deeper connection to our environment and the food you eat.

“Our 2025 workshops are led by some of San Diego’s brightest and masterful gardeners, all who are skilled and passionate about sharing their craft and areas of expertise,” said Dr. Emily Creegan, who voluntarily helps coordinate SCCG’s Garden Education programs.  “From lessons on growing tomatoes to guidance on how to replace your lawn with native plants, plus a few fun DIY arts and craft workshops for the holidays; there really is something for everyone to learn and enjoy!”

The first workshop, Basic Backyard Orchard Care, will be led by Craig Madden, founder of Yard to Table Creations. With a wealth of experience as a chef and garden designer, Craig combines his passion for sustainable food systems and his expertise in fruit tree care to help others bring the “farm to table” dream into their own backyards.

In this workshop, Craig will share his passion and expertise in fruit tree care, focusing on the tasks of winter maintenance. Participants will learn essential techniques, including pruning tips, preventative care, soil management, and how to avoid common mistakes. Through hands-on demonstrations, Craig will guide attendees to properly prune trees in the SCCG orchard.  

“Fruit trees are my favorite subject, and winter care is the foundation of a thriving orchard,” said Craig. “This workshop will give you the tools and confidence to manage your trees like a pro and set you up for a fruitful growing season.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Creegan, a Biomass Utilization and Climate Change Mitigation Scientist, will lead February’s workshop, Gardening for Climate Change.  “I’m excited to connect with the community and share how we can impact climate change in our own yards. Join me on February 15^el to learn strategies to help manage your front and backyard ecosystems that supports the environment and your pocketbook,” said Creegan. 

The SCCG Garden Education Workshops are held in the garden on the third Saturday of every month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Participants must register in advance through our website, sancarloscommunitygarden.com.  The cost to participate is $10 per class, or FREE for our Garden Members; SCCG Garden Membership is just $40 a year and helps support our education and community engagement programs. 

The Garden is open every Saturday and first and third Sundays from 9 – 11 a.m.  

We hope to see you in the garden soon!