Intended for home gardeners of all experience levels, the program will cover how to select seeds, increase germination rates, create the proper environment for growing and the correct time to start seeds and move plants into the garden. Techniques are applicable to annual and perennial flowers as well as spring and fall vegetables.

Certified N.C. State Extension Master Gardener volunteer Bonnie Refinski-Knight will teach the program. Following the lecture, participants will be able to practice seed starting and leave with planted seeds for the garden. Participants are welcome to bring their own supply of seeds and any clean seedling pots from last year.

The class is the first in a series of “Learn to Grow” classes, with “Gardening in the Mountains” planned for March 13 and “Lifelong Gardening Techniques and Equipment” April 3. Future classes planned for the Canton library include “Seed Starting” March 7 and “Square Foot Gardening” April 9.

Pre-registration is required for the seed starting class at go.ncsu.edu/haywoodgardeningclasses or by calling 828.456.3575. Cost is $10, to be paid at the door by exact cash or check.