Gardening Workshop at Urban Garden Center in Pearl City

The Urban Garden Center in Pearl City is excited to invite gardening enthusiasts to a special workshop led by the esteemed Master Gardeners. This free event offers a unique opportunity to enhance your home gardening skills and take home a rooted gardenia cutting, while supplies last.

 

The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It will be held at the Urban Garden Center, located at 955 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City, HI 96782.

 

Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging activities:

 

Giant Fruit and Vegetable Contest Weigh-in & Showcase | 9:30 AM: Witness the impressive results of young gardeners' efforts, featuring giant pumpkins, sunflowers, and bell peppers. A showcase of other oversized fruits and vegetables will also be on display.

 

Giant Pumpkin and Ornamental Corn Field Display | 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Explore various giant pumpkin and ornamental corn varieties. Gain insights on cultivating your own giant produce for the upcoming fall holidays.

 

Container Tree Care: Master Gardeners will demonstrate tree pruning techniques and provide guidance on maintaining trees in containers.

 

Grafting Demonstrations: Learn the art of grafting fruit trees onto rootstock plants. This session is ideal for those interested in advanced propagation methods.

 

The Power of Vermicast: Discover how earthworm castings can enhance your garden. Visit the Master Gardener Training Garden for tips on using vermicast to boost plant growth, enrich soil with beneficial microbes, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

 

Learn to Root Your Own Flowering Plant Cuttings: Master the technique of rooting ornamental plants like gardenia and bougainvillea using a water-saving method. Calvin Zeng, the system designer, will discuss his patented propagation method and distribute free rooted gardenia plants while supplies last.

 

Waterwise Home Idea Garden: Stroll through a beautifully landscaped garden to gather ideas for designing your own water-efficient xeric garden.

 

Got a Plant Question?: Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening queries. CTAHR seeds will also be available for purchase.

 

Plant Swap: Bring a plant, take a plant. Ensure your plants are free of pests, such as the Little Fire Ant, and are Plant Pono approved.

 

For certain activities, workshop or tour tickets are required:

 

Hydroponics Lettuce | 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Learn to mix hydroponic solutions and grow hydroponic lettuce at home. Tour the nursery to see how to set up a home unit. Bring a gallon jug to take home pre-made nutrient solution to try your hand at hydroponics using the Kratky method.

 

Lei Plant Propagation | 10:30 - 11:15 AM: Learn how to propagate popular lei flower plants with Cooperative Extension Agent Alberto Ricordi. Visit the propagation greenhouse where lei plants are propagated, including mist bench setup, shade house, and full sun benches. Participants will meet at the rainbow arch at 10:30.

 

Please note the following guidelines for the event:

 

All guests must sign a UH consent waiver at the registration area upon arrival. Parents or guardians must supervise minors at all times to ensure their safety and security.

 

Bring drinking water to stay hydrated and sun protection.

 

Only guide dogs are allowed; no other pets are permitted.

 

The University of Hawaiʻi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from expert gardeners and enhance your home gardening experience. We look forward to seeing you there!