The Dirt: Grow with kids, water garden winterization and cooking with apples

Bachman's has discounted the cost of the Kids Gardening Series to $5 a workshop. On Sept. 21, students can learn about worms and how "vermicomposting" works. Other topics are algae on Sept. 28 and mushrooms on Oct. 5. The workshops include "energy" games, interactive learning and hands-on projects related to sustainable garden practices. The series is at 10 and 11 a.m. every Saturday through Oct. 5, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. For ages 5-10 and 11-14. To register, go to www.bachmans.com.

It's time to shut down the waterfalls, ponds and streams and store koi during cold weather. Hedberg Landscape Supplies is offering "Water Garden Winterization" classes on overwintering pumps, plants and fish at different locations: 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26, 4375 W. 170th St., Farmington; 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2, 1205 Nathan Lane N., Plymouth; 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 5, 8400 60th St. N., Stillwater. For information, call 763-392-5920.

Are your apple trees bulging with fruit? Gertens is holding a free "How to Cook With Apples" seminar that offers recipes for apple pies, sauce, spiced apple rings, apple butter, crafts, as well as tips on canning and freezing your favorite apples, 11 a.m. Sept. 21, 5500 Blaine Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Call 651-450-1501.