Wellspring Organic Farm and Education Center offers a variety of hands-on gardening courses with a focus on organic growing practices, from garden-starting basics to advanced classes for the seasoned gardener. The season’s first garden preparation class, scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., April 13, will explain how to create raised beds and prepare the soil for spring planting, as well as which plants can be started in the garden.

According to the Edibles Gardening Trends Research Report, more than 41 million U.S. households are growing gardens. Besides access to fresh produce, there are many benefits to growing food at home. First, preserving the garden’s bounty through canning and freezing methods also allows for eating local year-round. Second, gardening saves food costs by supplementing grocery supplies; saving seeds from year to year reduces costs even more. Finally, gardening is healthy; it helps people eat more vegetables and burn calories.

Wellspring is a certified organic and community supported agricultural (CSA) farm, as well as a nonprofit education and retreat center with a mission to inspire and teach people to grow, prepare and eat healthy food.

Location: 4382 Hickory Rd., West Bend. For more information, including full class schedule, call 847-946-5565, email [email protected] or visit WellspringInc.org.