‘Grow your Own, Nevada!’ classes begin next week

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will present six “Grow Your Own, Nevada!” classes at seven locations across Northern Nevada to provide information to homeowners, gardeners, landscapers and farmers who want their lawns to survive and thrive in a desert climate.

“Recurring droughts are a fact of life for Nevadans,” Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist Heidi Kratsch said. “This program will teach homeowners how to create and care for landscapes that are resilient to drought events, yet outstandingly beautiful. Yes, it is possible.”

The series will run through Sept. 25 from 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Instructors include Kratsch, Cooperative Extension Horticulturist Wendy Hanson Mazet and Urban Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Safety Program Coordinator Melody Hefner. The workshop topics will include the following:

Tuesday: Designing a Water-Efficient Landscape

Sept. 11: Preparing Your Soil

Sept. 16: Selecting the Right Plants

Sept. 18: Keeping Your Lawn Green and Healthy

Sept. 23: Managing Pests in Your Landscape (Integrated Pest Management)

Sept. 25: Caring for Your Landscape Plants

The workshops will be held at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno, and will also be available via videoconference at Cooperative Extension offices in Carson City, Elko, Fallon, Lovelock, Pahrump, Tonopah, Winnemucca and Yerington.

The class fee for those attending at the Washoe County office is $15 per class or $60 for all six classes. Washoe County participants taking all six classes will receive a copy of “Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West.” To ensure enough seating and materials, Washoe County attendees should register before Sept. 5.

Class fees and materials available in other locations vary. Residents should contact their local Cooperative Extension office for information on attending the series in those locations. Fees cover class supplies, materials, refreshments and continuing education units.

To register for any or all of the upcoming “Grow Your Own, Nevada!” classes, visit www.growyourownnevada.com or contact Ashley Andrews at 775-784-4848. People in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.