Former Penn State Master Gardener David Winner is enthusiastic about encouraging people to take up “square foot gardening.” On Saturday afternoon, April 18 at the Unitarian church in Jamestown, he is offering a class on how to grow your own fresh vegetables in a limited space.

JAMESTOWN — As in New York state, a Pennsylvania State Master Gardener is a trained volunteer who shares gardening knowledge with the public through community outreach.

When Jamestown resident David Winner was training to become a Penn State Master Gardener, he was required to participate in a minimum of 40 hours in the classroom, score 80 percent on the midterm and final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service.

Winner still loves to garden and has become especially interested in encouraging new gardeners and those who don’t think they have enough space.

Saturday, April 18, 1-3 p.m., Winner is offering a class in “Square Foot Gardening,” an intensive, high-yield gardening method that maximizes space, reduces weeding, and uses less water compared to traditional row gardening. It is ideal for small spaces, beginners, and optimizing produce per square foot.

The presentation will be at the Unitarian church, 1255 Prendergast Avenue, Jamestown, where parking is behind the building. With a $10 fee, it will include visuals to demonstrate how to set up a square foot garden and refreshments.

“I really want folks to reap the benefits of growing their own fresh vegetables in a small space,” says Winner, who has worked countless hours as a master gardener teaching square foot gardening.

Now retired from seven years of participating with his wife in the Jamestown Farmers Market, he said, “We sold Barbara’s special teas for five of those years. We were also known for our homegrown garlic and humorous homemade garden signs, like ‘Trespassers will be composted.'”

Barbara will also be part of the class, showing the importance of weeds that grow in our yards.

Anyone is welcome. Preregistration is not required. For more information, call (716) 665-4605.

Proceeds from the class will benefit the church.