The St. Louis Office of the University of Missouri Extension is hosting a seven session Sustainability Series every Tuesday from March 20^th through May 1^st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  The classes will be held at Hawken House Hearth Room, 1155 South Rock Hill Rd. in Webster Groves.  You are invited to register for one or all seven sessions at $10 per session.

The first two sessions will be presented by our Horticulture Specialist, Nathan Brandt, with the March 20^th session focusing on Soils and Composting.  Specifically, Nathan will teach participants about what constitutes healthy soil, including the importance of organic matter in the health of soil.  And, he will explain how to make and use compost, which is organic matter, to create healthy soil.

The second session will also be presented by Nathan, and he will teach participants how to grow their own fruits and vegetables.  Specifically, he will explain which fruits and vegetables can be grown in Missouri, given our soil and climate.

At each session, we will give away one free soil test with a value of $20. 

Subsequent sessions will be presented by Nathan and other Program Specialists and will focus on healthy lawns, healthy homes, and food preservation.  Each of these sessions will also include a give away of one free soil test with a value of $20.

Look for articles on subsequent sessions in future editions of Patch. 

By Nina Balsam, St. Louis County Program Director