Penn State Extension continues its lineup of educational workshops and programs this spring, offering residents hands-on opportunities to learn about home food preservation, sustainable gardening, cooking, and crop management.
This week’s schedule features “Home Food Preservation: Water Bath Canning,” scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Ag Heritage Building, 185 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg. The $15 class introduces safe canning practices for beginners and experienced canners, covering essential steps and food safety techniques.
A “Vegetable and Field Crops Pesticide Update” follows from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 26, at the same location. Participants can earn pesticide recertification credits while attending research-based presentations focused on vegetable disease management, pesticide education, and integrated weed control. Registration is $15.
Beginning Tuesday, April 7, local gardeners can seek free advice from Penn State Extension Master Gardeners through the Garden Hotline, available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will answer gardening questions by phone, email or in person through late September.
Other April events include “Eggs from Farm to Kitchen” on April 14 at 11 a.m., a food safety course featuring an egg handling and cooking demonstration; and “Let’s Cook with Herbs and Spices” on April 16 at 1 p.m., highlighting the healthy, flavorful use of herbs and spices in home cooking. Each class costs $15 and $30, respectively.
On April 25, Master Gardeners will lead “How to Plant a Tree,” a hands-on workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Pre-registered participants will receive a free tree seedling as part of the $15 program.
Rounding out spring offerings, two “Container Garden for Pollinators” workshops will take place Saturday, May 2. The family session begins at 10 a.m., followed by an adult-focused session from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will design colorful pollinator-friendly containers with provided materials.
As the gardening season peaks, the Franklin County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held May 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 425 Franklin Farm Lane. The annual sale features vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals cultivated by local volunteers and provides an opportunity to ask gardening questions.
Online registration and full program details are available at extension.psu.edu/franklin, or by calling 1-877-345-0691.
