The free instructional course will be held Saturday, March 18 from 9-10:30 a.m. No materials are needed.

This is the second year that CSUN has held free classes for the community in its Botanic Garden. Dedicated in 1959, the 1.5-acre garden houses a collection of more than 1,200 plant species representing many regions and climates. Nestled between the university’s health center and University Student Union, the garden is a hidden refuge offering the public a serene place in which to both observe and enjoy nature.

Brian Houck, manager of the university’s Botanic Garden, said he hopes the course “will bring people on site to see the Botanic Garden, as well as share how heirloom tomatoes can develop into something truly unique over generations.”

Daigre is a professional garden consultant, owner of his own garden design business and author of Tomatomania! How to Grow Tomatoes Successfully in Southern California. He is also at the forefront of popularizing the many varieties of heirloom tomatoes to the Los Angeles market and will highlight his favorite varieties, as well as his recommendations on how best to grow them. He will answer questions regarding soil preparation, staking, fertilizing, saving seeds, and getting the best production of tomatoes possible. Daigre’s book will be on sale at a special price for all attendees.

To reserve a seat for the lecture, contact Houck at (818) 677-3496. For any further information regarding the garden, please visit the Botanic Garden Web site at http://www.csun.edu/botanicgarden. For more information regarding Daigre, please visit www.tomatomania.com.