Instructor: Kathleen Gault

Biography: Kathy Gault comes from a long line of gardeners, and has always loved flowers, gardens, and being in nature. She has been gardening in Central Oregon for over 45 years, and has a great appreciation for - and love of - this unique climate. Despite our short growing season, she has a habit of growing a ridiculous number of tomato varieties in her small garden each year, but her favorite vegetable is probably kale. Her other great love is music. She grew up in a musical family, attended Humboldt State University, and has been part of the Central Oregon music scene since 1974. She is the pianist/keyboardist with the Central Oregon Symphony and Cascade Winds and maintains a private piano studio that includes students of all ages. She also enjoys hiking, Nordic skiing, bicycling, and reading. Kathy has been teaching classes for Continuing Education for over 20 years.

Here is what students have to say about Kathy:

"Kathy's knowledge of what will work best in this region will save me some heartache."

"Great class. Kathy is knowledgeable and funny. Thanks!"

"Kathy is an excellent instructor - so knowledgeable about gardening in Central Oregon. Excellent info - outstanding handouts!"

"Kathy is well prepared, funny, informative & well understood! Great speaker."

Classes by this instructor

Plan Your Vegetable Garden!

Growing veggies in Central Oregon isn't always easy! Before the warm weather pulls you outside to start planting, join longtime Bend resident and seasoned gardener, Kathy Gault, for some local know-how. Learn what makes our region unique: climate, soil, short growing season and watering, and how to work with it, not against it. Kathy will share her favorite crop varieties that actually thrive here and tips for stretching your season with cold-hardy plants. It's never too early to start dreaming (and planning) for your best garden yet!.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PST | Redmond
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PDT | Bend

Totally Tomatoes! Growing Tips for Central Oregon

Tomatoes are the most popular garden crop in the U.S., yet tomatoes are considered by many Central Oregon gardeners to be notoriously difficult to grow. In truth, tomatoes, like all plants, have basic requirements that can be met, even in our high desert climate. This class will give you the tools to grow tomatoes more successfully!
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend