In May 2011, Wild Willow Farm & Education Center was chosen to be one of five Regional Garden Education Centers (RGEC) in San Diego County, serving the southern areas of the county. In fulfilling this role, Wild Willow Farm will be a resource for those wishing to get more involved in backyard, school and community gardening. These gardens will make fresh produce more accessible for the residents of San Diego as well as decreasing the huge carbon footprint of imported agricultural resources. If you, or someone you know, wants to get more involved in gardening or has thought about starting a community or school garden this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Regional Garden Education Centers are being guided by and modeled on SD Roots' Victory Gardens San Diego program, as one part of a much bigger project called Healthy WorksSM, a countywide initiative making systems and environmental changes promoting wellness and addressing the nationwide obesity epidemic.

Healthy WorksSM is a component of the County of San Diego's "Live Well, San Diego! Building Better Health" initiative, a 10-year strategic vision for improving health and wellness and combating the toll of chronic diseases, including obesity. Healthy WorksSM creates "Paths to Healthy Living." Healthy WorksSM engages San Diego County residents, businesses, and community leaders in systems and environmental approaches such as farmers' markets, community gardens, bike-to-school and work programs, school exercise and nutrition programs, as well as changes involving land use and transportation.

For more information about each class series, click on the class title.

Gardening 101: How to Grow Your Own Food 
Learn how to convert your lawn, yard or small space to a beautiful home vegetable garden.
Session 2: September 17, 24, October 1 (Saturday mornings)
All classes involve hands-on gardening, composting and bed preparation!

Gardening 201: How to Start and Manage Community Gardens 
If you want to get involved in starting a new community garden somewhere near you, join us for this FREE class!
Two Saturdays and one Friday evening, 
October 15 & 22, mornings; October 21, 6:30-9pm evening discussion.

Gardening 301: How to Start and Sustain a School Gardening Program 
If you want to get involved in starting or sustaining a school garden somewhere near you, join us for this FREE class!
Two Saturdays and one Friday evening,
August 20, 27, mornings; August 26, 6:30-9pm evening discussion.

To register for any of these classes, click here.