Centennial Farm will host several gardening classes in the coming months

Whether you’re just getting started or have been gardening for years, Centennial Farm will be hosting a few gardening classes you’re sure to love. 

All classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and require pre-registration. 

Here’s a look at what’s coming up: 

Growing an Herb Garden – Oct. 21 & Nov. 25

Learn general identification, care and propagation techniques of the most popular herbs grown today. Then, design and create your very own herb container garden to take home. Leah Matsuoka of Laguna Hills Nursery in Santa Ana will be the guest speaker.

$15 includes materials and handouts. Tools, pots and herbs will be provided. 

Backyard Beekeeping – Oct. 28

Learn the basics of beekeeping from Christine Ferrian, president of the OC Beekeepers Association. Ferrian, who is also involved with OC Local Honey, will help you learn about the role beekeepers play in maintaining the health of their hive, producing honey and in gardening and agriculture. $5 includes materials and handouts. 

Succulent Container Garden – Nov. 4

Learn general identification, care and propagation techniques of the most popular succulents grown today as well as basic principles of design. Then, design and create your very own succulent container garden to take home! Centennial Farm’s own Adam Waugh, a long-time succulent enthusiast, has nursery and arboretum experience, and has been creating succulent and mixed-plant container gardens for years. $20 includes materials and handouts; tools, terracotta pots and succulents will be provided. 

Pruning Fruit Trees: The Basics – Nov. 18

Learn the best time to prune stone fruit trees, citrus trees and avocado trees in Southern California. Isabel Barkman, who has been a UCCE Orange County Master Gardener since 1999, will cover the basics of pruning and discuss why the pruning season in Southern California is different than the rest of the country. $5 includes materials. 

Make It, Take It: Food Preservation –Holiday Pepper Jelly – Dec. 2

This workshop is an introductory hands-on lesson teaching waterbath and steam canning methods and safety standards of canning high acid foods. OC Fair & Event Center’s Culinary Supervisor Pam Wnuck will demo how to make a holiday pepper jelly to enjoy later, give as a gift or enter in the 2018 OC Fair competitions. Each participant will take home what they make in class. Ages 9 and up are welcome in this class, but children must be accompanied by an adult. $25 includes materials, but participants must bring three half-pint (8 ounce) canning jars with lids and bands. 

Make It, Take It: Winter Wreaths – Dec. 9 & 16

Nancy Claxton will demo how to make a winter wreath from fresh greens. $20 includes materials and handouts.

To register for any of the garden classes offered at Centennial Farm, use the form at http://ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/garden-classes/. Classes are intended for participants 16 years and older unless otherwise noted. Each class is generally about 1.5 to 2 hours and take place in the Silo Building at Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.