Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a planter-box beginner, you’re welcome here!
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the “Fun with a Few Clever Ideas! Home Gardening Workshop” will be held at Makubetsu Centennial Hall.
The instructor is a seasoned editor from Norinchukin Publishing, a leading agricultural publisher in Japan.
From simple tips to control weeds and pests, to clever tricks for tricky fall planting, this 90-minute session is packed with photos, real examples, and expert advice.
Free admission / First 50 to register. Signups open June 1. It’s time to make your home garden easier—and more fun!
Contents
3 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
① Weed and Pest Control Through a New Perspective
Instead of pulling weeds—cover them. Instead of blocking pests—deter them.
You’ll learn practical, eco-friendly techniques from real-life field coverage by Norinchukin Publishing.
Solutions for common Hokkaido pests like armyworms and leafcutter bees will also be covered.
② Fall Vegetables: Timing Is Everything
Lettuce, Chinese cabbage, spinach… How do you time your fall crops when midsummer fields empty out?
A pro will walk you through a seeding calendar and late-summer strategies to extend your harvest season.
③ Q&A Session with Real Tools to Try
In the second half, you’ll have time to ask questions.
You can touch and feel actual mulch sheets and organic materials while receiving tailored tips for your own garden size.
Event Overview
Date & Time: Saturday, July 5, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Makubetsu Centennial Hall (Auditorium), 180-1 Senju, Makubetsu Town
Instructor: Staff from Rural Culture Association Japan (Norinchukin Publishing)
Capacity: 50 participants (first-come, first-served)
Admission: Free
Co-hosted by: Makubetsu Centennial Hall & Makubetsu Town Library
Registration: Online Form (opens June 1)
Inquiries: 0155-56-8600 (Makubetsu Centennial Hall)
MATOKA’s Recommended Day Trip Plan
| Time | Plan |
| 08:30 | Depart Obihiro Station ▶︎ Approx. 40 min by car |
| 09:15 | Manabe Garden – Morning stroll through the blue garden (30–40 min visit) |
| 10:30 | Join the Gardening Workshop (Featured in this article) |
| 12:30 | Lunch & local market at Tokachi Hills, Makubetsu |
| 15:00 | Ice cream break at Shichiku Garden → Return to Obihiro |
[Information｜Contact]
Makubetsu Centennial Hall – TEL 0155-56-8600
(Operated by NPO Makubetsu Town Cultural Theater)
Take Home Ideas for a Tasty Summer
“Tired of weeds?” “My fall crops always turn out tiny…”
This workshop is full of answers to problems like these, packed into 90 minutes of actionable tips.
It takes place the day before the summer festivals in Shintoku and Shikaoi, so why not drop by en route?
Bring home the wisdom of Tokachi farmers—and make your gardening lighter, easier, and a whole lot more fun.
