The Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA) is offering a free seminar, OYS-101: Basic Oyster Gardening, covering how to grow your own oysters. The class will be held in the meeting room of the Northumberland Public Library, 7204 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13.
Waterfront property owners will learn how to grow their own oysters from their piers or shore for non-commercial purposes. By applying for a free shellfish growing permit from Virginia’s Marine Resources Commission, Virginia waterfront residents may legally grow oysters in their creek or river, even if the body of water is contaminated. Nevertheless, oysters are natural filter feeders and can help restore the Chesapeake Bay, and its rivers and creeks.
In this 90-minute seminar, a TOGA master oyster gardener will cover how to set up and maintain an oyster garden, including health and safety considerations, and how to acquire seed oysters (spat) and other O-garden supplies. H...