Springtime pests to watch out for

By: JoAnne Skelly

As spring unfolds, garden pests begin to reappear. From aphids to leafhoppers, JoAnne Skelly outlines the most common threats to your plants during this season and shares region-specific strategies to help you stay ahead of infestations. Knowing what to look for and taking timely action can protect your yard's health and productivity. Learn about identifying damage, preventing spread, and using integrated pest management techniques effectively.

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Filaree Flower

Northern Nevada backyards and gardens: Pruning rose bushes

 By: JoAnne Skelly

Pruning season for roses is here, and mid-April is the ideal time to start! Proper pruning not only boosts blooms but also strengthens the plant and helps prevent disease. But timing, technique, and tools all matters. This may vary by microclimate with some areas more likely to freeze harder than others. Microclimates can even fluctuate on one piece of property such as the north side being colder than the south side. Want to know why sealing cuts with glue is important or how microclimates affect your rose bushes? Check out the full article for practical tips and region-specific advice to keep your roses thriving.

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JoAnne Skelly

Extension offers combined small-acreage and farm-to-fork certification program

By: Lincoln County Record

The University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is introducing a comprehensive certification course for new and emerging Nevada farmers and ranchers, running from January 22 to March 19. The program, held via Zoom on Wednesday evenings, includes topics ranging from soil health to farm financial management, supplemented by field trips to local farms. Participants who complete the course, attend a field trip or one of the spring Nevada agriculture conferences, and successfully submit a business plan review will earn their Nevada Beginning Farmer & Rancher Level 1 Small Acreage and Farm-to-Fork Certification.

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Participants in last year’s certification program for producers enjoyed a tour stop at Sierra Shadows Lavender and Honey Farm in Gardnerville.