Garden author Josephine Nuese said, “Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.”
In January, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension begins another year of horticulture classes. The events nurture the growing dreams of both home gardeners and green industry professionals.
Events for home gardeners include a High Desert Plantings class as well as the Gardening in Nevada and Grow Your Own, Nevada! Programs.
Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist Heidi Kratsch will present High Desert Plantings at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center. Attendees will learn about plants and landscapes appropriate for the area’s high desert environment, and which plants thrive with minimal water. The talk is free. It is presented in conjunction with the Truckee Meadows Reflections exhibit, on display through March. For information, visit www.sparksmuseum.org.
In February, Cooperative Extension’s Gardening in Nevada classes will return to inspire and delight anyone who wants to garden. Growers of backyard, patio and balcony gardens big and small are invited. Class topics include fruit trees, native pollinators, firescaping, vegetable gardening and more.
These free classes are offered in collaboration with Washoe County. They are held 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 7 – March 28 at Bartley Ranch Regional Park. For information, visit www.growyourownnevada.com.
In April, Cooperative Extension’s Grow Your Own, Nevada! Program begins. It features back-to-basics information designed to grow great harvests in the great basin. Session topics include soils, starting plants from seed or cuttings, attractive and edible landscapes, controlling garden pests and more.
Classes will be held 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 4 – 27 live at 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Class costs for Reno attendees are $15 per class or $60 for the series. Costs to attend via interactive video at other Cooperative Extensions offices statewide vary. For information, visit www.growyourownnevada.com.
Events for professionals include Green Industry Training and the Nevada Landscape Association’s 26th Annual Trade Show & Conference.
In January, Cooperative Extension’s Green Industry Training Program begins. The program is offered in collaboration with local industry professionals and the Nevada Department of Agriculture. It provides science-based, sustainable horticulture information to help professionals work with northern Nevada’s high desert climate and not against it.
Classes are held 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 24 – Feb. 16 at 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Class costs are $15 per session or $80 for the series. Discounts are available. For information, visit www.growyourownnevada.com.
In February, Cooperative Extension will present educational information to green industry professionals at the Nevada Landscape Association’s Trade Show & Conference. The event will be held Feb. 23 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The conference cost is $100, and discounts are available. Trade show entrance is free. For information, visit www.nevadanla.com.
Quickly get these home and professional gardening classes on the calendar. Soon the dreaming and planning stage of early winter will give way to the busy and fruitful growing season.
