🥕 Vegetable Gardening from Seeds – One-Day Intensive Workshop

Course Overview

This workshop provides a complete introduction to starting vegetables from seeds—whether in the ground, raised beds, or containers. Participants will learn how to choose quality seeds, prepare soil, understand germination, and care for seedlings through transplanting and garden maintenance.

Target Audience: Beginners and home gardeners interested in growing their own vegetables from seed.
Duration: 1 day (8 hours, including breaks)
Format: Classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on seed-starting activities.

🕘 Workshop Schedule

9:00–9:30 AM - Welcome & Overview

Introductions, participant goals, and overview of workshop objectives.

9:30–10:15 AM - Session 1: Understanding Seeds

What a seed is and how it works (anatomy and germination process)
– Differences between heirloom, hybrid, and GMO seeds
– Reading seed packets and interpreting planting instructions

10:15–11:00 AM - Session 2: Choosing the Right Seeds

Selecting vegetables suited for your region and season
– Cool-season vs. warm-season crops
– Recommended beginner vegetables: tomatoes, lettuce, beans, carrots, and squash
– Seed sources and storage tips

11:00–12:00 PM - Session 3: Soil Preparation & Seed Starting Methods

Soil mix for seed starting: light, well-draining media
– Indoor vs. outdoor seed starting
– Using trays, pots, and direct sowing
– Demonstration: preparing seed trays and planting seeds

12:00–12:45 PM - Lunch Break

Optional garden walk or seedling demonstration.

12:45–2:00 PM - Session 4: Germination & Seedling Care

Light, water, and temperature needs for germination
– Using grow lights and humidity domes
– Thinning seedlings and preventing damping-off disease
– Hands-on activity: checking seed trays and identifying sprouting success

2:00–3:00 PM - Session 5: Transplanting Techniques

When and how to transplant seedlings
– Hardening off seedlings before planting outdoors
– Proper spacing and planting depth
– Demonstration: transplanting seedlings into raised beds or containers

3:00–3:45 PM - Session 6: Garden Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Watering and fertilizing young plants
– Common pest and disease management
– Organic controls and companion planting
– Mulching and weeding tips

3:45–4:30 PM - Session 7: Harvesting & Saving Seeds

Knowing when to harvest vegetables
– Basics of seed saving from mature plants
– Cleaning, drying, and storing seeds for next season

4:30–5:00 PM - Wrap-Up and Q&A

Review of key concepts, participant Q&A,

Course Materials

Instructor Provides:
• Seed packets (assorted vegetables)
• Seed starting trays and soil mix
• Labels, watering bottles, and handouts
• Reference charts for planting depth and spacing

Participants Should Bring:
• Notebook and pen
• Gardening gloves

Recommended Resources

Books
• Starting Seeds: How to Grow Healthy, Productive Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers from Seed – Barbara W. Ellis
• The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible – Edward C. Smith

Online
• NC Cooperative Extension Vegetable Gardening Resources
• Seed Savers Exchange – Seed Saving and Preservation Guides

Follow-Up Support

• Monthly Q&A: Ongoing support for transplanting and garden maintenance.
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