Celebrate spring with these gardening programs offered by the library.

Join us to learn about bees, get tips for growing vegetables with less water, and consider planting California natives in your outdoor space. And during the month of May, visit the Main library's 2nd floor to pick up a free packet of wildflower seeds.

Vegetable Gardening in a Drought

Saturday, May 7, 10-11:30 am, virtual

Spring is the time to plant your summer vegetable garden. At the same time drought is upon us. Most of California was dry-farmed before irrigation systems were common. Learn which crops can tolerate little to no water and bring back some tried and true practices. Hear about ways to grow more food using the same amount of water by incorporating techniques and tricks like hydro-zoning, mulching, cover cropping, companion planting and more. Presented by Master Gardeners Lisa and Kathleen Putnam, and coordinated by the City of San Mateo Sustainability Program and the Library.

Registration required: https://sanmateopublic.libcal.com/event/9026088

Honey Bees and Hive Health

Saturday, May 7, 1-2 pm, Main Library/Oak Room

Join us for a short lecture by Alphonse Avitabile, author of The Beekeeper's Handbook, now in its 5th edition. This program will be in the Main Library’s Oak Room, and Al will join us virtually from Connecticut. Al will answer your bee and hive questions after the lecture. No registration is needed, but sign up if you’d like to receive a reminder.
https://sanmateopublic.libcal.com/event/9098479

Selecting Native Plants

Tuesday, May 24, 7-8:30 pm, virtual

Is your yard too high maintenance for your lifestyle? Are you finally ready to replace your lawn with a more sustainable landscape? Learn about eco-friendly lawn alternatives such as California native grasses that provide benefits for the ecosystem. Plus, find out which low-maintenance plants are suitable for your yard. Click the image to register. Coordinated by the City of San Mateo Sustainability Program and the Library.

Registration required: https://bawsca.org/classes_2.php?id_evnt=385