As the New Year begins, gardeners' thoughts turn to planning and gathering information. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) has a wealth of horticulture information available online at www.unce.unr.edu. Click on the "Publications" tab and then the "Horticulture" link under "Publication Search." Each of the 213 horticulture publications online is research-based and has been reviewed by experts in the topic area.
You can find out how to properly plant a tree, build a compost pile, propagate plants with grafting or budding or design a drip irrigation system. There are guides to using computers to aid plant selection. Read up on soils, mulches, fertilizers and water-efficient landscapes. Discover how to design a wildfire-resistant landscape and create defensible space. Identify plant pests including weeds, insects, rodents and diseases. Then learn environmentally safe methods to control them.
Explore the world of bats, butterflies, desert tortoises and microorganisms such as mycorrhizae. Of course, there's abundant information on plants: Annuals, perennials, ornamental trees and shrubs, native trees and shrubs, roses and lawns. You will find the "Home Landscaping Guide for Lake Tahoe and Vicinity;" "Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages;" and "Choosing the Right Plants for Northern Nevada's High Fire Hazard Areas."
If you don't see what you are looking for under "Horticulture" try looking under "Natural Resources." You will find 284 publications, many on the numerous noxious weeds of Nevada, pesticides and pesticide safety. Beneficial insects and pollinators are covered. Investigate flood facts or installing greenstrips to reduce wildfire risk. If you happen to be a community organizer, obtain information on the collaborative process, increasing participation in weed management or sage grouse conservation planning.
The UNCE Web site also covers topics relating to agriculture; children, youth and families; health and nutrition; and community development. There are many publications in Spanish and Asian languages. The site is a wealth of information. Go exploring during the cold days of winter.
On a community note, Seeliger School parents are offering a Christmas tree pick-up service for Carson City residents. They want you to help our community and our environment. Volunteers will pick up your Christmas tree after the holidays for a suggested donation of just $5. Your tree will then be recycled into mulch. To schedule a time for your tree to be picked up, just e-mail them at treepickupservice@gmail.com or call 775- 882- 6901.
For information, contact me, 775-887-2252 or skellyj@unce.unr.edu, your local University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office or at www.unce.unr.edu. "Ask a Master Gardener" at mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu
- JoAnne Skelly is the Carson City/Storey County Extension educator for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.