University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will present six "Grow Your Own, Nevada!" classes at eight locations across northern Nevada to provide information to homeowners, gardeners and landscapers 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 Sept. 9-25 and be held 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:
- Sept. 9: 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 or contact Ashley Andrews at 775-784-4848. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.
