JoAnne Skelly: More on herbicide awareness and safety

 By: JoAnne Skelly

What starts as a simple attempt to control weeds can sometimes end in heartbreaking, irreversible damage. In this eye-opening piece, a reader shares the devastating story of how a neighbor’s herbicide use led to the mysterious death of fruit trees and majestic oaks, years after the chemical was applied. It’s a powerful reminder that herbicides don’t stay put, and their effects can spread silently through soil and water, killing plants far beyond the intended target. From residential yards to major hotel landscapes, the consequences of misused herbicides are real, and often misunderstood. Read on to learn why label instructions matter, how certain chemicals travel underground, and what every property owner should know before reaching for that spray bottle.

Herbicide being used in a garden

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.

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.

JoAnne Skelly

Extension offers three agriculture conferences to support Nevada agriculture

By: Lincoln County Record

University of Nevada, Reno Extension is hosting three agriculture conferences across the state to support producers, beekeepers, and gardeners. Events include the Urban Agriculture Conference in Las Vegas (Jan. 28–30, 2025), the Small Farms Conference in Sparks (Feb. 20–22, 2025), and the Bee & Garden Conference in Minden (March 20–22, 2025). Each event features expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities for agricultural stakeholders.

Farm tour