This beginning class will explain what are cover crops, why and how they benefit your garden, and when to plant them. Some benefits are the reduction or elimination of fertilizers, improvement of soil structure, reduction of pesticide use, and the increase of soil nutrient retention and water infiltration. Presented by Lisa Putnam and Kathleen Putnam of the UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
Lisa Putnam has a BS in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis and also studied nutrition science at Davis. She currently operates a small sustainable organic farm in Woodside and is a UC Master Gardener and Master Composter. Lisa’s passion is soil and compost. Along with her sister Kathleen, Lisa has been teaching vegetable gardening at Lyngso’s, San Mateo County Fair, Common Ground, Garden Clubs for the last 11 years.
Kathleen Putnam is a professional organic vegetable gardener serving the Mid-Peninsula and is an ISA Certified Arborist. Kathleen has a cetificate in Environmental Horticulture from City College of San Francisco and is a UC Master Gardener. Kathleen’s passion is fruit trees. Along with her sister Lisa, Kathleen has been teaching vegetable gardening and pruning techniques at many venues for the last 11 years.
