2026: Growing Vegetables in the South Sound: A Workshop for Gardeners of All Levels

“I’ll be a better gardener thanks to the wealth of information and practical tips that TJ provided during his six-hour garden workshop.  He shared just the right amount of detail to help people of all experience levels develop and sustain productive, environmentally friendly gardens.” – Bruce B.

Saturday, March 21 and Saturday March 28, 1-4pm at Urban Futures Farm, 928 Wilson St NE, Olympia

Worried about where your food will come from in these challenging times? Always wanted to start a vegetable garden, but don’t know where to begin?  Had a vegetable garden but have not been happy with the results?  Been gardening for a while and want to take it to the next level?  This workshop is for YOU!

Over the course of 2 afternoons, we will explore everything you need to know to grow a successful home garden.  The workshop will be a mix of lecture, discussion and hands-on demonstrations. Topics covered will include:

• Site Selection
• Understanding and improving your soil
• Selecting seeds
• Propagating, transplanting and direct seeding
• Rotations and companion planting
• Selecting the right tools
• Irrigation
• Composting
• Dealing with weeds, pests and disease
• Season extension

The workshop will be led by TJ Johnson.  TJ has been growing his own food for over 35 years, including the last 10 years as the owner of Urban Futures Farm, a regenerative, community-focused farm in the heart of Olympia.

The cost for the workshop is $60.  To register, send an email to urbanagrarian@comcast.net.  Payment will be accepted at the first class, either cash or check.

We love to grow good food.  We also love to help other people grow good food.

With over 30 years of experience gardening and farming in Thurston County, we are pleased to share our expertise through group classes and personalized consulting services.  Here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say:

“What an information-packed field class for home gardeners. I have already used some of the knowledge gained to improve my soil, source my seeds, and add a drip irrigation system. Thanks TJ!” – Cathleen K

“One of the things I appreciated most was how tailored it was to our climate and the very real challenges of gardening in the maritime northwest. Also appreciated touring the farm and seeing your policies in practice.” – Chrisanne B.

“As a backyard, raised bed gardener, I wondered when I signed up whether your workshop would be usefully “scalable” for me, but I needn’t have worried. I learned a lot about soil, plants and planting that should all but guarantee that my efforts this summer will be amply rewarded. Thanks!” – Tim R.

“We really enjoyed working with TJ on our garden plan! He provided us with detailed recommendations to turn our mossy backyard and dirt front yard into a low-maintenance pollinator haven with a fantastic raised bed garden. We’ve already recommended him to several of our neighbors who are interested in doing something similar.” – Anna & Matt

To arrange a personalized garden consultation, contact TJ at urbanagrarian@comcast.net