The unpredictable weather patterns we've been experiencing for the past three years seem to be with us to stay for a while. Plants not native to our region might bloom at odd times. Then there are the hard rains and those scorching summer heat waves.

Most of the vegetables we grow in our kitchen gardens are not tolerant of extreme conditions. We need to be flexible, extend the growing season to take advantage of warm temperatures in the spring and fall, and make the most of rain when it comes by using rain barrels and rain gardens to manage the water.This year our local Penn State Master Gardeners are covering these topics in their annual spring workshop, "It's Time to Plant." They have extended the workshop to two full days, March 25 and April 8, to fit more into the schedule.The March 25 workshop will cover raised beds, row covers, and low tunnels (or hoop houses). Raised beds are a good start toward getting control over extreme weather. Plants are elevated above ground level and that means they are less affected by heavy rains. Excess water doesn't collect around the roots. Also the soil in raised beds is more like potting soil so it retains moisture better without getting soggy.Once you've built your raised beds, it's easy to attach PVC or electrical conduit hoops and cover them with deer netting, shade cloth, row cover fabric or trellis.I covered two of my four raised beds with PVC hoops and greenhouse plastic over the winter. Using a soil thermometer, I kept track of the soil temperatures in the four beds. The two I covered retained a base temperature of 40 F, and on sunny days I actually had to vent them. I still have arugula alive in one of the beds. The uncovered beds froze. This is just one benefit of raised beds and low tunnels.The afternoon session is about starting seeds indoors. Everyone gets to plant tomatoes and peppers in newspaper pots to take home. It's also time to learn about some of the new seed starting tools that are coming on the market. LEDs are nudging out heavy fluorescent fixtures. Seed starting kits are downsizing for a smaller profile and much more.On April 8, the workshop covers composting, rain barrels and rain gardens, organic pest and disease management, and a hands-on afternoon session on planting cool weather crops like peas and spinach.You will need to preregister by calling the Penn State Extension office at 570-325-2788 and choosing Diane Sniscak from the options offered.We look forward to having a great garden year in 2017. Master gardeners will have plant clinics at a couple of the garden centers during May.Also, the Times News is adding an "Ask a Master Gardener" advice column. Area gardeners will be encouraged to send questions to the master gardeners. Answers will appear in the Times News.