The University of Nevada, Reno Extension and Senior Certified Gardeners present “Gardening in Nevada: Bartley Farm Series.” This series is for anyone who wants to garden – those with large yards, small yards, or just a patio or balcony. These classes, offered in partnership with Washoe County Provincial Parks and Open Space, are free and run from 6 to 8 p.m., every Tuesday, February 1 – March 29, at Bartley Ranch Provincial Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Street in Reno.
“The classes, which vary by year according to the needs of the local community, present the reasons and hows of the people who live, grow, and reap in the Northern Nevada region.” said Rachel McClure, the principal gardener extension coordinator for Washoe County.
Classes are taught by Extension Master Gardener certified volunteers with experience living and gardening in northern Nevada. Continuing Education Units of the International Arboriculture Society may be available for some classes. Classes include:
- 1 February: Fruit tree selection Extension Master Gardener and retired certified tree scientist Michael Janick will discuss the needs of fruit trees in northern Nevada, including soil, USDA zones, cold hours, irrigation, and pest control. He will also talk about the varieties of fruit he has grown and is currently growing to determine their suitability for our climate.
- February 8: Starting plants from seed Washoe County Principal Gardeners Coordinator Rachel McClure will discuss seed starting trips for early and late seed starting, including how and when to start seed indoors for the short planting season in northern Nevada.
- February 15: Downsize your landscape Have your garden preferences changed? Does your landscape need an update? Extension Master Gardener Rod Haulenbeek will help guide attendees in the next steps of their gardening journeys.
- February 22: Moon Folklore & Gardening Master Gardeners Shari Elena Quinn and Linda Fulton supplement will talk about folk gardening as it relates to the next 12 months of the phases of the moon. This presentation will include lunar terms, descriptions of each lunar month, how the moons got their names, and folklore beliefs regarding the best times of planting and harvesting.
- March 1: Pruning and training fruit trees Extension Master Gardener and Retired Certified Treeman Michael Janick will introduce the basics of fruit tree pruning and how trees respond to pruning. He will review volume control with appropriate rootstocks, how appropriate early training will reduce the need for pruning as the tree matures, and when to prune. It will also provide step-by-step instructions for training fruit trees as central leaders, open center, and collaborators.
- March 8: Perennials in the garden Gardener Appendix Georgette Porter will discuss how to get perennial flowers into home gardens year after year. From the familiar to the unexpected, you’ll talk about the benefits of growing perennials in our high desert environment.
- March 15: The Wonderful World of Honeybees Filled with bee information, Extension Master Gardeners Jackie Sandage and Linda Groves will discuss many aspects of beekeeping in Northern Nevada.
- March 22: Landscape Design Have you recently moved into a house with an existing garden, or are you looking to renovate the house you already have? This program may help attendees engage with design ideas in a new way. Extension Master Gardener Melinda Gustin, of the American Society of Landscape Architects, will share steps to consider to help refresh tired landscapes.
- March 29: Successful plant cultivation Extension gardener Randy Robison will share his secrets to harvesting bountiful, award-winning produce from the ground and raised garden beds of our high desert climate. It will share information on amending soils to help plants thrive, the importance of crop rotation, strategies to increase yields, the benefits of companion planting and how to discourage unwanted pests.
The series can be registered online.
for more in aforming on “Gardens in a Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series,” or for general gardening in aquiries, call the Extension at 775-784-4848 or visit the extension’s website. People who require accommodations or special assistance should call or notify Paul Lysek, the Civil Rights and Compliance Coordinator, at his email or 702-257-5577 at least three days prior to the scheduled event.