September 22, 2026 from 6-8 p.m.
Test your skills, ask burning questions and do some hands on learning. Come out to Altoona Extension Office for a fun, interactive event on various fall gardening tasks such as composting, growing and harvesting herbs, planting bulbs, and more!
Need help finding what counts for approved Master Gardener continuing education? At 6:00p.m., Gloria Morris from the Advisory Council will be conducting a session on approved education options available to Master Gardeners.
2 hrs. of CEU credit is available at this session for Master Gardeners. This event is open to the public. We are asking the public to make a $10 cash donation to cover martials for this event.
Snacks and desserts will be provided for this event. Table topics include:
Composting Basics
Build a mini compost jar using browns, greens, moisture, and airflow. Volunteers prep shredded leaves, food scraps, and carbon‑to‑nitrogen ratio cards. Participants layer materials and observe early decomposition. This station teaches how fall yard waste becomes nutrient‑rich compost.
Dividing Perennials
Learn how to lift, split, and replant perennials like hostas or daylilies. Volunteers provide plant clumps, hand tools, and small pots. Participants practice safe cutting techniques and proper replanting depth. This station shows how dividing improves plant vigor and prevents overcrowding.
Seed Saving Station
Collect, clean, and store seeds from spent annuals and vegetables. Volunteers bring dried seed heads, envelopes, and labels. Participants thresh, separate, and package viable seeds. This station teaches preservation techniques for next year’s garden.
Soil Testing & Texture
Perform a soil jar test to reveal sand, silt, and clay layers. Volunteers prep jars, funnels, soil samples, and interpretation charts. Participants shake samples and compare settling layers. This station helps gardeners understand drainage and amendment needs.
Fall Bulb Planting
Plant fall bulbs in take‑home pots or trays. Volunteers provide bulbs, potting mix, and depth‑guideline cards. Participants learn spacing, planting depth, and chilling requirements. This station prepares gardeners for spring blooms.
Leaf Mold Making
Turn fall leaves into nutrient‑rich leaf mold using mesh bags or bins. Volunteers bring shredded leaves, moisture spray bottles, and mesh bags. Participants start their own leaf mold bag and learn moisture maintenance. This station highlights slow fungal decomposition and soil conditioning.
DIY Plant Protection
Create simple frost protection covers using burlap, stakes, and twine. Volunteers prep materials and demo plants. Participants assemble a small model cover and learn when to use it. This station teaches how to protect tender plants from early frost and winter wind.
Herbal Cuttings & Propagation
Take fall cuttings from herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme. Volunteers bring mother plants, snips, rooting hormone, and pots. Participants prepare cuttings and learn rooting timelines. This station helps gardeners propagate herbs for overwintering or gifting.
In the event of inclement weather – including snow and ice events – education nights may be cancelled for volunteer safety. Updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the PCMG website/Facebook page or group/email for registrants. Please check these for the most current information before heading out.
