Cooperative Extension’s ‘Grow Your Own’ classes to return

RENO — University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Grow Your Own, Nevada! program presents four classes to help Nevadans get on the path to more sustainable, local, healthy living by growing and preserving more of their own food.

The program runs 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 2. Classes will be held at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno, and but will also be available via interactive video at Cooperative Extension offices in Fallon, Carson City, Caliente, Elko, Hawthorne, Logandale, Lovelock, Winnemucca and Yerington. Other locations are pending.

The series features back-to-basics information for backyard or small-acreage edible gardening.

“Anyone can become a better gardener by attending these classes,” said Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist Heidi Kratsch. “From the beginner to the advanced gardener, everyone can benefit from a Grow Your Own, Nevada! class.”

Along with Kratsch, presenters include Cooperative Extension Horticulturist Wendy Hanson Mazet and Urban Integrated Pest Management Program Coordinator Melody Hefner.

Workshop topics include:

Sept. 11: Saving seeds from your garden

Sept. 18: Amending your soil: composting and fertilizer basics

Sept. 25: Cover crops for the home gardener

Oct. 2: Tips on selecting fruit tree and berry varieties

To register to attend in Reno, visit the Fall 2018 Grow Your Own, Nevada! website, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-2018-grow-your-own-nevada-registration-48343696297, or contact your local Extension office. The class fee for those attending at the Washoe County office is $15 per class or $30 for all four classes. The cost covers class supplies, materials and refreshments. Reno participants attending all four classes will also receive a free tote bag and USB flash drive containing gardening resources. Washoe County K-12 teachers and Master Gardeners in Reno receive a discount on registration cost. Contact Jenn Fisher at fisherj@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-0249 for discount codes.

Class fees in other locations vary. Residents should contact their local Cooperative Extension office for information on attending the workshops in those locations. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.

For information about Grow Your Own, Nevada!, visit https://youtu.be/Fmi_BjsA6Rg. For information about the benefits of the program, visit https://youtu.be/ohoi8F04B-A.