Vegetable Gardening Symposium - Hattie Meadows Gardening School

For this special half-day symposium, we’ll feature three speakers with a little something for everyone, from beginner to experienced veggie grower.

Veggies 101 - 9:30 – 10:15am

Presented by Ashley Troth, PhD, Horticulture Agent, Durham County Cooperative Extension

Growing your own herbs or tomatoes can seem like so much fun, but like with any new hobby it can be hard to know where (or how!) to start. Participants will learn the basics of warm-season vegetables, including how to set up the garden, select species and varieties, and diagnosing common problems.

From Tomatoes to Turnips: Practical Tips for Planning Your Year-Round Vegetable Garden - 10:30 – 11:15am

Presented by Molly Zimmerman, Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Durham County

Learn practical tips and tricks for planning a productive, year-round Piedmont vegetable garden, including how to choose what to plant, when to plant it, and how to extend your growing season.

Hearty Landscapes: Foodscaping for Joy, Beauty & Abundance - 11:30am – 12:15 pm

Presented by Brittany Robinson-Wittenhill, Founder of Our Backyard, LLC

Learn how to transform any yard—large or small—into a beautiful, productive edible landscape. This 45-minute session introduces the core principles of foodscaping: integrating vegetables, herbs, fruits, and pollinator plants into ornamental beds to create landscapes that nourish body and soul. Participants will discover low-maintenance design strategies, plant combinations that thrive together, and practical tips for maximizing harvests while maintaining curb appeal. Perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

This class is part of the Hattie Meadows Gardening School and is open to everyone.

The Hattie Meadows Gardening School is a free community learning project to spread knowledge and love of gardening. Classes will take place at the Stanford L. Warren Library from January through June 2026. This program is presented in partnership with Stanford L. Warren Library, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and Durham County Cooperative Extension, and is made possible by the Durham Library Foundation.

Registration is appreciated to receive an email reminder, cancellation link, and program updates. Seating is first come first served. Registration does not hold or guarantee a seat.

Image Credit: Laurel Babcock, EMGV

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Host or Publisher N.C. Cooperative Extension, Durham County