Dirt Cheap: Tricks for the Thrifty Gardener

Speaker Cecily Frazier, a self-proclaimed cheapskate and devoted master gardener, can be seen along the highway, stopping to scoop up pine needles, gravel and lots of free grass clippings. Those who carry a shovel and some buckets in the car, just in case, will enjoy this class.

Learn, and share, new tricks for being thrifty in the garden. Topics include making soil and mulch, getting plants, watering, finding tools and containers — all on a shoestring.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County's Master Gardener Program will again offer a series of workshops during February and March to help the home gardener get prepared for spring.

Classes will be held Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 10 and March 25.

All classes will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ulster County Board of Cooperative Educational Services, 175 Route 32 in New Paltz.

Participants may choose the class or classes they are most interested in or sign up for the entire series. The fee for individual classes is $15, or $50 for all four. Class sizes are limited. Advance registration is required five days before each class.

Call Dona Crawford at 845-340-3990. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.cceulster.org.