Earth Friendly Gardening Workshops | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

July 9, 2025

Earth Friendly Gardening

Join the University of California Master Gardeners of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties for a series of four workshops on Earth Friendly Gardening at the Marina Library.

Earth Friendly Gardening provides guidelines recommended by UC Master Gardeners for creating sustainable landscapes that benefit the broader environment and make things easier for the gardener. By adopting these practices, you can grow a healthy garden that is beautiful, in sync with nature, and less prone to problems.

Register for one, two, three, or all four workshops to learn how to collaborate with the natural world to create an oasis in your garden that benefits both you and the environment. Please note that separate registration is required for each workshop.

Analyzing Your Garden Site

The first step in designing your garden is to thoroughly understand your garden site. During this workshop, we’ll conduct a site analysis of the library’s surroundings using tools and techniques that you can apply in your own garden. We’ll guide you through assessing the amount of sunlight you receive and how it fluctuates throughout the year. Additionally, we’ll emphasize the significance of considering your microclimate and soil type. You'll leave with resources that will help you decide what plants to plant and where to plant them. Register Here!

Improving Your Soil

How healthy is your soil?

For this workshop, you’ll need to bring a sealed Ziploc-type bag containing one cup of soil you’ve collected from your garden. During the workshop, we’ll analyze the different soil samples and assess their drainage. We’ll also discuss potential soil amendments and their impact on improving soil health. Lastly, we’ll delve into the living components of your soil, exploring how to encourage their growth and emphasizing their significance for maintaining healthy gardens. Register Here!

close up view of plants along a brick edging

Choosing Plants

Are you curious about the plants that would be best suited for your garden? Perhaps you’re wondering which ones to avoid altogether. In this workshop, we’ll provide you with valuable resources that will assist you in finding the ideal plants for your garden. We’ll also share tips on how to successfully plant and maintain these plants. Throughout the workshop, we’ll present a variety of resources that will help you identify plants that align with your garden’s conditions and fulfill the specific functions you desire. Register Here!

Protecting Wildlife & the Environment

Learn how your own backyard garden can make a difference in keeping our world healthy. The activities you undertake in your garden can significantly influence our environment. By learning and implementing strategies, you can contribute to providing food, water, and shelter for beneficial insects and birds. Additionally, reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, as well as minimizing water usage, can further enhance the sustainability of your garden. Register Here!