Extension and their certified Master Gardeners offer “Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series.” The series, online this year via Zoom, is for anyone who wants to garden – those with big yards, small yards, or just patio or balcony space. These classes, offered in partnership with Bartley Ranch and Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, are free and run 6-8 p.m., every Tuesday, March 2 – 30.

The classes are taught by Extension horticulturists, experts and certified Master Gardener volunteers, as well as local business owners. International Society of Arboriculture continuing education units may be available for some classes. The next three classes are:

• March 2: Training and Pruning Fruit Trees — Michael Janik, Extension Master Gardener volunteer and certified arborist, will present fruit tree pruning basics, including how trees respond to pruning, size control using appropriate rootstocks, early training to reduce the need for pruning as the tree matures, and when to prune. International Society of Arboriculture continuing education units have been requested for this class. Register online for Training and Pruning Fruit Trees.
• March 9: Gardening is for the Birds — Suzanne Adams, Extension Master Gardener volunteer, will discuss which plants encourage wild birds to visit and, perhaps, make homes in the garden. Plants provide food and habitat for many migratory birds and those which stay in the area year-round. Adams will identify some of the more common birds and their preferred plants for both diet and homes. Discussion will focus on techniques to keep these plants healthy. Register online for Gardening is for the Birds.
• March 16: Insect Pests of the Vegetable Garden — Melody Hefner, Extension Urban Integrated Pesticide Management and Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator, will discuss identification and integrated pest management (IPM) for common insect pests of the vegetable garden. IPM measures include prevention, cultural controls and sanitation, mechanical or physical controls, biological controls, and chemical controls. Early identification of insect pests and implementation of pest control plans can greatly reduce insect pests in vegetable gardens. Register online for Insect Pests of the Vegetable Garden.

“The classes, which vary by year according to the needs of the local community, offer the why’s and how’s from people who live, grow and harvest in our northern Nevada area,” Rachel McClure, Master Gardener coordinator for Extension in Washoe County, said.

For more information on “Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series,” or for general horticultural inquiries, contact Extension at 775-784-4848 or visit the Extension website. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.