Upcoming Events
You’ll find a listing of all our current classes and events below. (Prefer a calendar view? Here you go.) If something catches your eye, click on it for more information and to register. We also include a run-down of upcoming events in The Civic Gardener each month, which is a great way to stay in the loop!
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
Pollinator Waystations: Container Gardening for Nature
If you don't have a lot of outdoor space, can you still support our local ecosystem? Yes, you absolutely can! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn about and assemble your own pollinator-friendly planter to take home.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $50
Kimchi Workshop
Learn to make your own Kimchi from Kimchi master Keys Kim! During this hands-on workshop, you'll watch a demonstration of the initial Kimchi preparation, then season and package some to take home. You'll leave with the knowledge to make your own Kimchi.
INSTRUCTOR: Keys Kim
COST: $35
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join CGC Horticulturist Julie for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
COST: Free!
Cannabis Cloning, Trimming & Training
Managing your homegrown Cannabis during the vegetative growing stage comes with lots of opportunities to trim and train, resulting in cuttings that can be used to grow new plants. In this lecture-based class, you'll learn how to correctly prune your Cannabis plants, use the cut material to grow clones and train your Cannabis plant to grow to its full potential.
INSTRUCTORS: Stephanie Fransen (CGC Administrative & Facilities Manager) & Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Summer Sprouts at the CGC Starts
Join us at the Civic Garden Center this summer for a weekly morning of fun! During this 8-session program designed for children ages 7-11 and their caregivers, we will spend our time together doing all of our favorite activities: gardening, cooking, exploring, crafting and playing games.
COST: $100 per child/caregiver pair.
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
HUB Garden Class: Pest ID & Management
Join us in the Concord Community Garden to learn proven strategies for safeguarding your garden without the use of harmful chemicals. Explore natural methods, beneficial insects and other approaches to effectively protect your plants from pests and disease while promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly garden ecosystem.
COST: FREE with code HUB2025!
HUB Garden Class: Container Gardening
Growing vegetables in containers is an easy way to have fresh vegetables all through the summer! If you only have a small space to work with such as a patio, balcony, alleyway, sidewalk or even a rooftop, you can still grow a bountiful garden by choosing the right variety of vegetable plants. In this class at the Carthage Community Garden, we'll cover which types of containers work best for vegetables, sun requirements (that impact what vegetables you can grow), growing media, watering, the best vegetables to grow in containers, the benefits of mulch and fertilization.
COST: FREE with code HUB2025!
HUB Garden Class: Soil & Compost
Are you tired of doing everything right for your crops but they still don’t seem happy? Then it’s time to dig deeper into the most important factor contributing to plant health: soil! Through this class, you’ll come to appreciate this most fundamental natural resource and gain the skills to improve and conserve the soils of your own garden. We will cover common problems with growing food in urban sites, such as soil quality and nutrition deficiencies, and demonstrate sustainable practices to overcome these challenges, proving that agriculture can happen anywhere.
COST: FREE with code HUB2025!
HUB Garden Class: Garden to Plate
Join CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator Kymisha Montgomery for a garden-to-plate event in the Loveland Community Garden! We will harvest from the garden and discuss different vegetables and herbs, including their health benefits. A cooking demonstration will be provided.
COST: FREE with code HUB2025!
HUB Garden Class: Food Preservation
In this class, you'll learn how to can your harvest using the water bath and pressure canning methods. It's a great opportunity for beginners to explore the techniques and equipment needed for safe home canning. You'll be guided through the entire food preservation process, including the scientific reasoning behind today's recommended methods. We'll also debunk food preservation myths and unsafe practices.
COST: FREE with code HUB2025!
HUB Garden Class: An Herbalist’s Garden
Join local herbalist Meghan Henshaw in the Melrose Medicinal Garden in Walnut Hills as she explains how to identify over 20 different types of perennial medicinal plants that flourish in urban gardens. She will discuss the diverse therapeutic actions of plants such as hibiscus, holy basil, lavender and passionflower as attendees experience the plants in a thriving community greenspace. Herbal iced tea provided during class.
COST: FREE with code HUB2025!
Grow Your Own Strawberries
Join Nadia Ruffin, MS, for a hands-on class where you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing your own delicious strawberries! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop will guide you through the entire process—from selecting the best strawberry varieties to planting, caring for your plants and harvesting sweet, juicy berries.
INSTRUCTOR: Nadia Ruffin, MS
COST: $20
Goat Yoga
Come de-stress, laugh, smile, and enjoy the pure silliness and fun of Goat Yoga! In this gentle, beginner-friendly session, you'll learn the basics of stress reduction through yogic breathing and postures while small baby or Nigerian Dwarf goats run about, climb on you, snuggle and bring laughter spontaneously in the moment as only goats can do. Ages 10+
INSTRUCTOR: Farmer Rob (Good Green Earth Farm)
COST: $25
Homegrown Cannabis
Home gardeners can now try their hand at growing Cannabis sp. This crop can require a significant investment on the part of the grower, so it's important to learn best practices before starting out. This course will cover the botany of Cannabis sp. and the process of how to successfully grow it.
INSTRUCTORS: Stephanie Fransen (CGC Administrative & Facilities Manager) & Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
Basic Ginger & Turmeric Growing
Alongside the carrots, kale or beloved tomato varieties that you're used too, why not try something new—like ginger or turmeric? In this class, you'll learn the basics of the current practices in planting and growing these rhizomes for personal use both in containers and in the ground.
INSTRUCTOR: Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join CGC Horticulturist Julie for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
COST: Free!
The Practice of Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing is a mindful practice of bathing in the forest atmosphere for health and happiness. This beginner-friendly experience will cover a brief history of forest bathing, guided sensory invitations practiced in silence and optional sharing before closing with tea and cookies from foraged foods.
INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Foley
COST: $20
Essential Garden Herbs
Gardening with herbs lets you to freshen up your favorite recipes, cultivate natural medicines and foster ecologically sound gardening methods. This class will cover the basics of growing and using herbs for tea, cooking, medicine and cleaning. We'll taste common herbs and discuss recipes to try at home.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Native Plants for Shade
Finding native plants for the shady parts of your garden can be such a struggle. Traditional shade gardens tend to rely on exotic—and even invasive—species, and native shade plants are still so hard to find. This class will explore native plants that have evolved to thrive in shady conditions.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Introduction to Plant Pressing
Plant pressing is more than just a creative hobby—it’s a way to document, appreciate and preserve the rich biodiversity that surrounds us; to connect with nature, slow down and truly observe the intricate details of plants that often go unnoticed. In this introductory workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of plant preservation while getting hands-on experience in the field.
INSTRUCTOR: Luis Aguilar (CGC Environmental Education Specialist)
COST: $35
Know Before You Go: Shop for Plants like a Pro
Ever wandered nursery aisles with no idea what you’re looking for? Brought home a beautiful new plant only to have it die? Worried about invasive species, cultivars and nursery jargon? Come learn how to choose the right plants, warning signs to watch for and what to ask before you make your purchase.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
Introduction to Native Plants
Native plants are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. Discover the simplicity of local plants and thriving, sustainable habitats while you learn the basics of why and how to embrace native plants in our local landscape. This basic overview class will focus on healthy ecosystems and highlight some of our favorite native plants.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
POSTPONED: Introduction to Native Plants
Native plants are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. Discover the simplicity of local plants and thriving, sustainable habitats while you learn the basics of why and how to embrace native plants in our local landscape. This basic overview class will focus on healthy ecosystems and highlight some of our favorite native plants.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Backyard Chickens for Egg Production
Does having a hyper-local source of fresh eggs sound appealing? This class will cover the basics of keeping small flocks of backyard chickens for egg production. Presenters will share information about securing coops, maintaining healthy hens and handling the challenges of urban chicken tending gleaned from their own firsthand experience.
INSTRUCTORS: Dominique Ellison & Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Nature Journaling: The Art of Noticing
Unwind and connect with nature through the relaxing and enjoyable process of documenting the natural world using sketches, poems and notes. Participants of all skill levels will learn new ways to look at the wonders of nature—truly noticing instead of simply seeing. Enjoy the opportunity to slow down as you find new ways to settle into the natural world.
INSTRUCTORS: Ellen Foley & Lisa Koepke
COST: $20
Managing Rainwater
Knowing how to capture and store rainwater gives gardeners vital access to a necessary resource for thriving plants. Come learn the basics of managing rainwater, including building rain gardens, capturing and storing rain for future use, and plants that do well in our climate.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Botany Bistro LIVE!
Join us for a LIVE Botany Bistro gathering! We’ll celebrate the transition of the seasons from winter to spring, uncover the unseen production challenges of the first five episodes of our 2025 Bistro To-Go series and hold a Q&A (question and answer) session.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: Free!
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join CGC Horticulturist Julie for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
COST: Free!
Compost Basics
You’ve heard you should compost…now it’s time to learn how! This beginner-friendly class will cover the basics of outdoor composting, vermicompost and bokashi. You'll also learn what a healthy compost pile requires to be productive and ways to troubleshoot common issues.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Growing Degree Days: Using Phenology to Plan Your Garden
The weather can seem unpredictable these days, but plants’ growth in the spring is easy to determine with just one simple tool: phenology, the study of how biological events are influenced by seasonal factors. In this class, you’ll learn how to track phenological events to become a garden psychic.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Seed Starting
Ever wanted to start your own plants from seed—but felt overwhelmed or intimidated by the task? This class will simplify the process! You'll learn what supplies you do and don't need, best practices for achieving great germination rates and how to support healthy, strong seedlings to set you up for a successful gardening season to come.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
Plant Disease & Integrated Pest Management
Come learn the principles and practices of integrated pest management and how to choose the most appropriate method of control, with emphasis on sustainable remedies and techniques. We'll also discuss how to identify plant disease and symptoms and implement basic control measures and disease management strategies.
INSTRUCTOR: Fern Gulley (School Horticulture Program Coordinator for The Ohio State University, OSU Extension Office)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
Houseplant How-To: Flowering Houseplants
Houseplants are wonderful additions to any indoor décor. Caring for them can be a bit tricky, but once you have the know-how, you can enjoy growing a diverse array of plants indoors through any season! Flowering Houseplants will cover the needs of orchids, peace lilies, cyclamen, poinsettia, kalanchoe, jasmine and begonia plants. We'll discuss additional inputs required for reliable blooms.
INSTRUCTORS: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist) & Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Beginning Beekeeping Series Starts
This three-part introductory course is geared toward interested non-beekeepers. Novice beekeepers are also welcome! Topics covered will include getting started, ordering and using equipment, costs, how to get your bees, where to place your bees, protective clothing and more.
INSTRUCTORS: Randy Morgan (Emeritus Curator-Insectarium, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden); Phil Hucke (Certified Arborist); and Ray Babcock (Past President, Southwestern Ohio Beekeepers Association – SWOBA)
COST: $50
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Which native plants are blooming this week? What wildlife visitors will you meet? How will you be inspired with ideas for your own landscape?
Join CGC Horticulturist Julie for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and learn all about the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
This half-mile tour will involve several steps and some uneven paths. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for rain or shine.
These free tours are held once a month, no registration required. You can also make a morning of it and come to our GLS tour from 10-11am! See our calendar for additional dates.
Houseplant How-To: Vibrant Houseplant Foliage
Houseplants are wonderful additions to any indoor décor, whether it be at home, the office or a favorite restaurant. Caring for these indoor gardens can be a bit tricky, but once you have the know-how, you can enjoy growing a diverse array of plants indoors through any season!
Each class in our Houseplant How-To series will include a deep dive into specific indoor plant species, their unique characteristics and growing needs, common problems associated with their long-term care and the best ways to propagate them.
Indoor plants can be a much-needed pop of color any time of the year. Vibrant Houseplant Foliage will highlight the wide array of colorful leaves found in these species: croton, calathea, peperomia, oxalis, arrowhead and alocasia. Understanding the needs of these plants is crucial for vibrant leaf color.
Instructors: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist) and Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
Cost: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Homegrown Cannabis
Home gardeners can now try their hand at growing Cannabis sp. This crop can require a significant investment on the part of the grower, so it's important to learn best practices before starting out. This course will cover the botany of Cannabis sp. and the process of how to successfully grow it.
INSTRUCTORS: Stephanie Fransen (CGC Administrative & Facilities Manager) & Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
Homemade Wine
Discover the art and science of winemaking in this engaging hands-on workshop! Together, we’ll explore Cincinnati’s rich winemaking history, learn about native grape varieties and craft personalized wine recipes to ferment at home. You’ll participate in a guided tasting of four different wines to sharpen your palate and gather inspiration for your creations. (An NA option will also be available.) We’ll introduce basic chemistry concepts related to wine, such as fermentation and balancing acidity, explained in simple, accessible terms for beginners.
By the end of the event, you’ll feel confident, inspired and ready to embark on your homemade wine adventure! You'll even head home with a pint of ingredients necessary for at home fermentation so you can put your new knowledge into action.
No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided, with optional supplies available for purchase afterward. Participants must be 21+.
Instructor: Luis Aguilar, Terrariums with a Twist
Cost: $50
This class is sold out, but you can join the waitlist!
Meet Your Instructor: Originally from Houston, Texas, Luis Aguilar of Terrariums with a Twist brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to winemaking education. After moving to Cincinnati four years ago, Luis began working at a local winery, where he honed his skills in crafting & rectifying wines. His role involved hands-on lab work, carefully tasting and adjusting elements to ensure the best balance and meet the specifications of each product.
With over a decade of experience as a wine enthusiast and a solid academic foundation in Environmental Biology from the University of Houston-Downtown, Luis is deeply passionate about the art and science of fermentation. His studies provided a strong understanding of the biological and chemical processes that contribute to winemaking, blending his love for plants, nature, and the craft of creating with exceptional taste.
In January 2023, Luis launched his own business offering terrarium-making workshops at local non-profits and bars, combining his passion for plants and fermentation. Now, he expands this expertise by hosting homemade wine-making workshops, teaching others what he has learned, and inspiring a deeper appreciation for plants.
Luis believes that winemaking is a craft anyone can embrace and master, regardless of experience. His goal is to make the world of wines and spirits more approachable, empowering participants to embrace their inner winemaker. Luis invites you to join him on a journey that celebrates both the flavors and the fascinating science behind winemaking. Give it a try: Wine not?
Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening: Regenerative Agriculture
Come explore a wide range of topics related to regenerative agriculture, including enhancing soil and plant health, biodiversity and principles of a healthy ecosystem. We'll also discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing these practices.
Instructor: Kymisha Montgomery, CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator
Cost: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
This class is also part of our Civic Gardener Development Training (CGDT) series. If you’re already registered for the series, you don’t need to register here. If you aren’t interested in the series, you can still take this class as a one-off!