Kitchen Gardening 101 Three Part Series

Kitchen Gardening 101 Series - 3 Sessions 

Kitchen Gardening 101 is a relaxed, supportive workshop series designed for beginner gardeners—or anyone who’s tried gardening before and wants a simpler, more successful approach. Led by Fox Valley’s kitchen garden expert, Ivy Posada, Certified Gardenary Garden Consultant, this three-part series focuses on clear systems, practical steps, and confidence-building guidance in a conversational, community-based format.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and learn together no prior knowledge required and no pressure to be perfect

Part #1 (1/28): Planning, Building & Sourcing - Getting Started the Right Way

January 28th

A successful garden starts with a solid plan. In Part 1, Ivy Posada guides participants through the essential foundations of kitchen gardening, including garden placement, layout, raised beds, soil basics, and sourcing plants and supplies—without overwhelm. This session helps participants create a realistic, personalized plan for their space and lifestyle, setting them up for long-term success before anything is planted.

You’ll leave with:
- A realistic plan for your garden
- Confidence in what to buy (and what to skip)
- A better understanding of how to start strong

Part #2 (2/11): Seasons & Planting - Knowing What to Plant and When

February 11th

Timing is one of the most common challenges for new gardeners. In Part 2, Ivy Posada breaks down gardening seasons in a simple, approachable way and discusses what to plant throughout the year. Participants learn how to understand the Chicagoland planting season, choose the right plants, and avoid common timing mistakes—all while sharing questions and learning from one another.

You’ll leave with:

- New understanding of gardening seasons
- Practical planting guidance you can reuse year after year

- More confidence in deciding what to plant each season

Part 3: Tending & Harvesting - Growing with Confidence 

February 25th

Part 3 focuses on caring for your garden as it grows. Ivy Posada covers watering, tending, troubleshooting common issues, and harvesting in ways that encourage continued growth and enjoyment. This session emphasizes progress over perfection and helps participants build simple routines that make gardening feel manageable and rewarding.

You’ll leave with:
 - Tools to maintain your garden with less stress
 - Clarity on when and how to harvest
 - Confidence to keep growing a garden for 7 months of the year