Trying to grow a garden in what was once a silty lake bed can be one of the most challenging things about living in the Tooele valley. Because of this dilemma, Utah State University offers community gardening expos each year so residents of Tooele and Grantsville can find the help they are looking for.

This past weekend, the USU Advanced Master Gardeners held their 3rd Annual Garden Expo in Tooele with a total of six classes overall. Topics covered included homegrown tomatoes, gardening tools, and tips for creating a beautiful lawn or garden while still conserving water.

"There were probably 30 people there. It was about what we usually get," said Linden Greenhalgh, "though I expect it has grown some."

A similar slate of classes will be presented in Grantsville this Saturday, April 19, during the city's 3rd Annual Mini-Garden Expo. Registration, which is free, will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Grantsville City Hall. A large packet of handouts, notes and outlines to accompany the workshops will be available for $5.

Classes will begin at 10:00 a.m., last a half hour each, and will end at 12:30 p.m. following keynote speaker Gary Fawson. Fawson will be presenting "Gardening in Grantsville: questions and some answers."

"He knows all about the pH problem down there," said Joyce Tate, a member of the USU Advanced Master Gardeners program. "There are some plants that just will not grow there. There is no sense in wasting your money on them."

Topics covered at the Grantsville expo will also include vegetable gardening, lawn care and garden tool selection.

"It applies as much to the seasoned landscaper as it does to the beginner. Anybody that has an interest in gardening is welcome to come," said Dave Quist, one of the presenters at the expo. "I'll be teaching some principles of basic planning and preparation. We'll have a lot of examples of properly planted gardens and lawns."

"Most people want to have a beautiful yard," said Greenhalgh. "Besides, it's fun and worthwhile. People like growing their own vegetables."