Learn how climate change is affecting gardening

Hands On Harvests, the nonprofit organization that operates the new garden in the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike in Annandale, is hosting three online gardening education programs.

The first webinar, on Feb. 13, 7 p.m., is on gardening in a changing climate. Sara Via, a professor and climate extension specialist at the University of Maryland, will discuss how increasing temperatures are leading to longer, warmer winters; earlier springs; and hotter summers.

As a result, many herbivores, weeds, and diseases are surviving through the winter. Insect pests are expanding their range, while the biodiversity of pollinators and other helpful insects has declined precipitously. 

These changes wrought by climate change have significant impacts on gardens and home landscapes. Via will offer climate-friendly gardening strategies that will both improve gardening success and help reduce future climate change. 

In the next session, Feb. 24., at 10 a.m., lifelong local gardener Jim Howland will cover the basics of growing onions – from seeds and onion sets – so you can get yours in the ground in March.

Related story: The community celebrates the new Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale

Clyde Lake, the co-owner of Virginia Spores & More, will present a session at 7 p.m. on March 12 on growing mushrooms indoors. Lake will talk about the lifecycle of mushrooms, their potential effects on humans and climate, and explain how to grow them year-round.  

The workshops are $10 each and will be held on Zoom. Register here or contact at [email protected].

Hands On Harvests is dedicated to boosting access to fresh produce by supporting community gardens and encouraging gardeners to donate some of their produce to food pantries.