Gardening in Nevada classes return in February

Extension teams up with Bartley Ranch and Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space to offer free classes

For those already getting that gardening itch, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is ready to help you dive in. Extension is kicking off its “Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series” weekly workshops in Reno to help both new and experienced gardeners hone their gardening skills. 

Led by Extension and their certified Master Gardeners and offered in partnership with Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, these classes are free and run 6 – 8 p.m., every Tuesday, Feb. 18 through April 1, at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road in Reno.

“From those who are just interested in growing houseplants to those with large gardens and landscapes, these classes are great for anyone who wants to learn from experienced Master Gardeners, who live, grow and harvest in our northern Nevada area,”  Rachel McClure, Master Gardener coordinator for Extension in Washoe County, said.

All classes are taught by certified Extension staff or Master Gardener volunteers. Classes are free, but the Master Gardeners ask those attending to consider bringing a canned food item for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and to register online for each class they plan to attend. Classes include:

• Feb. 18: Houseplants – Master Gardener Abigail Jarrett will break down how different variables affect houseplants, and how to address common houseplant issues. 
• Feb. 25: Fire Adapted Landscape – Master Gardener Suzanne Arney will share how to apply defensible space principles and proven steps to improve personal safety and home survival during wildfire.  
• March 4: Pond/Water Gardening – Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Rachel McClure will discuss gardening with ponds and water features.   
• March 11: Plant Journaling, Getting Started – Master Gardener Diane Miniel will share the value of garden journaling and tips to help you along the way.
• March 18: The Cut Flower Garden – Master Gardener Deborah Henderson will discuss how to choose, grow and harvest plants for cut flowers, and will share tips on putting together bouquets.
• March 25: Successful Vegetable Gardening – Master Gardener Randy Robison will share his time-tested tips for successfully growing vegetables in our unique climate and conditions. 
• April 1: From This Year’s Flowers to Next Year’s Plants, All About Seeds – Master Gardeners Rod Haulenbeek and Mark Humphreys will talk all about successful gardening with seeds.

Those with questions about the Gardening in Nevada workshops should contact McClure at rmcclure@unr.edu. Persons planning to attend a session who may need special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.eduor 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information. 

Those with gardening questions may also contact the Master Gardeners at ExtensionWashoeMG@unr.edu or 775-784-4848, or visit the Master Gardener help desk at the Extension office in Reno at 4955 Energy Way, 10 a.m. – 2 pm., Tuesdays – Thursdays.

– @UNRExtension –

Photo Cutline: Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Rachel McClure and Master Gardener volunteers will be presenting free “Gardening in Nevada” workshops 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesdays through March, at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno.

Extension is a unit of the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources engaged in Nevada communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. It is a county-state-federal partnership providing practical education to people, businesses and communities. For more information on its programs, visit extension.unr.edu.

The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu. 

Contact: Claudene Wharton
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources
University of Nevada, Reno / MS 0405
Reno, Nevada 89557-0404
775-784-7072
whartonc@unr.edu