Jan 11 DIG IN-PERSON: How to Grow the Perfect Tomato 2 – 4 p.m., Jan. 11, 2026 Maricopa County In-Person Desert Institute of Gardening Class $20 Registration (non-refundable) Speaker: Carol Stuttard Learn which tomatoes grow best in the low desert and how to grow them successfully in our low desert. Our presenter Carol Stuttard will explain when, how and what tomatoes to grow for the best production and experience.
Jan 22 DIG ONLINE: Spring Gardening: How to Maximize Warm-Season Harvests 6:15 – 8:15 p.m., Jan. 22, 2026 Maricopa County Online Desert Institute of Gardening Registration: $20 non-refundable Speaker: Angela Judd Spring in the low desert is one of the best times to grow, but the season can be short and every day counts. In this class, you’ll learn how to prepare your garden for our favorite warm-season crops like beans, squash, and tomatoes. We’ll cover the fundamentals of successful gardening: soil, sunlight, timing, and watering.
Feb 01 DIG IN-PERSON WORKSHOP Create an Ecosystem in a Bottle: Terrariums! 2 – 4 p.m., Feb. 1, 2026 Maricopa County In-Person Desert Institute of Gardening Workshop Registration: EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $40 (register by January 1, 2026) non-refundable. REGULAR REGISTRATION $50 (January 2-January 31, 1 p.m.) non-refundable Speaker: Jan Schreier Terrariums create a great way to grow plants that like more humidity than Arizona’s arid environment, and once set up, they are incredibly self-sufficient and excellent for a no-fuss indoor display of plants. Build your own terrarium to take home!!
Feb 22 DIG IN-PERSON Get Down and Dirty With Soil! 2 – 4 p.m., Feb. 22, 2026 Maricopa County In-Person Desert Institute of Gardening Class Registration: $20 (non-refundable) Speaker: Bonnie Newhoff Arizona soil is challenging. With the proper amendments and a little help from some healthy compost microbes learn how to turn that hard patch of clay or dry sandy plot into a lush medium for growing vegetables and flowers.
Mar 19 DIG ONLINE: Caring for Citrus In the Desert 6:15 – 8:15 p.m., March 19, 2026 Maricopa County Online Desert Institute of Gardening Registration: $20 non-refundable Speaker: Cathy Rymer Whether you're new to citrus growing or looking to improve your results, this presentation offers practical tips to keep your trees in top condition and enhance fruit production.
Mar 29 DIG IN-PERSON Herbs and Their Usage in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert 2 – 4 p.m., March 29, 2026 Maricopa County In-Person Desert Institute of Gardening Class Registration: $20 (non-refundable) Speaker: Angela Sannapu This class will focus on 5 herbs here in Phoenix. We will study how to grow, use, and store these little powerhouses. Herbs will be Basil, Rosemary, Mint, Sage, Thyme, and perhaps a little bonus.
