www.edibleaustin.com

Citizen Gardener began in August of 2008. It is designed to engage more Austin area residents in growing food locally.

How it works: The interested student signs up for ten hours of gardening course work. Upon completion of the hours, the student is not only awarded the distinction of being a "Citizen Gardener", but has the skills to create their own garden.

The Reward: This process returns a cycle of gifting to the planet and others... a reciprocating, blooming and fruitful gift.

Two Saturday mornings and a Wednesday evening offers 10 hours of instruction. It's a hands-on learning experience. Topics include site-design, raised beds, square-foot gardening and much more. Yup, only in Austin does the planting season start in mid-January and run until mid March—the same time block as these Citizen Gardener Classes.

Here is the line-up. Click on each course link below to learn more and register for the class:

CG #10 - Saturday AM, Jan 16; Wednesday PM, Jan 20; Saturday AM, Jan 23 - East Austin

CG #11 - Saturday AM, Jan 30; Wednesday PM, Feb 3; Saturday AM, Feb 6 - South Austin

CG #12 - Saturday AM, Feb 13; Wednesday PM, Feb 17; Saturday AM, Feb 20 - Northwest Austin

CG #13 - Saturday AM, Feb 27; Wednesday PM, March 3; Saturday AM, March 6 - East Austin

CG #14 - Saturday AM, March 13; Wednesday Evening, March 17; Saturday AM, March 20 - East Austin