Extension Master Gardeners and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service will hold organic vegetable gardening workshops for all ages and experience in September.

The first class, geared for beginners, starts 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Agriculture Building, 707 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage. The following Saturday morning, at 9 a.m., a hands-on workshop showcases the garden of Mike Rowland, at his farm at 185 Blues Siding Road, between Pinehurst and Carthage.

The first class will cover soil building and organic methods, fall vegetables and square-foot gardening. The class is intended for beginners, but there will be plenty of substance for experienced gardeners.

The second class will emphasize rotations, soil building, container gardening, pest management and fall vegetables. At a latter date in October, cover crops will be demonstrated.

The National Gardening Association reports a 40 percent increase in the number of households growing vegetables, stimulated by concerns over food safety, environmental sustainability and current economic conditions. New gardeners often have limited success, and desire increased knowledge from experts. Soils and climate of the Sandhills are challenging, but manageable with methods tailored to our region.

Organic practices may yield healthier plants and produce, and are more sustainable and environmentally methods of gardening compared with conventional practices.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Handouts will be provided. Call (910) 947-3188 for more information, for directions and to register for this class.

Taylor Williams is Moore County agricultural extension agent for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Mike Rowland is an extension Master Gardener with 50 years of organic gardening experience.