Join UC Master Gardeners and you can get your hands dirty while learning how to make “soil blocks” – a method of starting seeds in cubes of compressed soil. This seed starting method eliminates the use of plastic pots and reduces the disruption of plant roots when transplanting.

UC Master Gardener Presenters

• Richard Busacker: Having been introduced to gardening by his grandfather at age 10, Rich graduated as a UC Master Gardener, class of 2024. He supports the public education committee’s development of programming. He has supported the development of specialized Soil Blocking and Container Gardening classes.
• Susan Houston: Susan became a Master Gardener in 2024 after a career in Aging Services. Before retiring, Susan and her organization partnered with the UC Master Garden Program to create a demonstration garden in Redwood City. The garden provides hands-on education and fresh produce to older adults at the community center. Susan’s interests include native plants, soil blocking, container gardening and gardening with underserved populations. Susan is fluent in Spanish.
• Debra Skorupka: Debra is a UC Master Gardener, since 2024. In her career, she has had the opportunity to assist with the operational aspects of greenhouse and open-air farm seed research and growing operations. As a life-long gardener, she enjoys experimenting with herb and vegetable propagating, growing and seed saving. She also proudly supports the Master Gardener Membership committee and Operations team.

Registration is required. Please click here. This class is both in person and on Zoom. A limited number of in-person spaces are available.

Photo credit: Janet Gilmore, UC Master Gardener