The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area (GBPA) invite the public to a lecture on seed starting basics, at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, in the lower level of the Bluffton Public Library, according to Victoria Zeits.

Marilyn Beltz, member and past president of the Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers, is the speaker.

“Starting your own plants from seeds is fun and a great way to grow either heirloom or unusual varieties that can’t be found in local green houses,” said Zeits.  

The lecture will cover which seeds are best planted early in trays with specialty soil, and which seeds are best sown directly in your garden in the spring and how to avoid the dreaded “damping off” virus.  

Learn how to read seed packets to maximize your germination opportunities and the growth habits of the mature plant.

The GBPA not only has monthly educational gardening programs from March through November, they also manage the Bluffton Community Garden. 

The Community Garden has both traditional large growing plots for items like pumpkins or large harvest quantities, it also has smaller Discovery Plots, which are designed to give new or returning gardeners smaller easy to control area to grow veggies, herbs and flowers. 

In 2018, an area of the Community Garden was converted to a permanent Monarch Waystation, filled with seven different types of milkweed, and lots of other natives and high nectar plants for both Monarch and other Pollinators.    

“If you’d like to learn more about renting a full sun plot or setting up a tour for your group of the Monarch Waystation and Community Garden stop by the meeting and talk to one of the members,” she said.

Persons may also contact the club through its Facebook page: @GardenersoftheBlufftonPandoraArea