Winter Gardening Program Invaluable
Do you know the frost dates for our area? Do you know the pH of your soil? Better yet, what’s pH? What’s a branch bark collar? Ever wonder why your beets are black or why your carrots are hairy?
If you’re stumped by these questions, hold on to your pitch forks. WSU Master Gardeners are offering a winter gardening program tailored just for you. Not only will it answer those questions, but a whole lot more.
The 1999 Horticulture Class Series is basically the same training classes as those taught to potential Master Gardeners. After completing the 12-week course, you’ll have accumulated a complete course-study guide, folders jammed with extension research publications and reference materials. But best of all, you’ll come away with a tremendous amount of gardening knowledge.
Everyone who loves gardening is invited. The classes are 6 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Jan. 21 through April 15.
To give you an idea of what will be offered, here’s a brief synopsis:
The first class, “Gardening in the Inland Northwest,” taught by Tonie Fitzgerald, horticulture extension agent, will deal with the special challenges of gardening in our region. It’s not a coincidence Tonie is teaching this class. She’s provided sound gardening advise for years and shares much of this information in her book, “Gardening in the Inland Northwest.”
Gary Ford, soil scientist for the U.S. Forest Service in Coeur d’Alene, will teach the obvious - soils. Though this may sound like a dry subject, believe me, the study of soil and its importance is fascinating. Soil is the foundation for everything that is alive and growing.
That same evening, Chris Koehler, extension agent and master composter, will explain how to transform decomposing matter into black gold called compost.
Tonie will teach the third class on general plant health care and pest management. I’m sure she will stress the fact that healthy plants fight off disease and insects while weak plants attract them. It will become obvious how important it is to plant the right plant in the right place.
Being able to tell the difference between a plant disease and a nonpathological problem is sometimes difficult, even for the experts. But Ed Adams, WSU plant pathologist, will try to define the differences.
Stringtrimmer damage is easily diagnosed when there’s a dead tree in the middle of the lawn and no bark around its base. However, are leaves with green veins and yellow tissue a sign of nutrient deficiency or herbicide damage?
Of course, there will be a few very important classes that are fun, but not so taxing.
Diane Notske - master gardener, landscape consultant and chairwoman of Friends of Manito Perennial Plant Sale, (don’t you just love all the hats these people wear) - will discuss everything good, bad and ugly about flower gardening, while Dave Swett, master gardener and owner of Yesterday’s Farm, will teach vegetable gardening. Tonie Fitzgerald will also address fruit trees and berries.
No garden series would be complete without a three-hour lecture on bugs. Who better to teach it than Cindy Deffe, WSDA pesticide specialist?
Sydney McCrea, coordinator of the Master Gardener Plant Clinic, will teach the weed course. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be able to identify all the weeds in your yard and how to control them - chemically and organically.
Mark Davis, master gardener and lawn specialist, will discuss lawns and groundcovers.
Rounding out the 11-week “hort” series are two topics that always get me up on a soap box: planting and pruning. Who better to give us the correct information on both than Jim Flott, horticulture supervisor for Manito Park and the Spokane Parks Department.
The last class is a wrap-up session, a time to clear up any unresolved questions.
Now this is what I call a garden lecture series. Excellent topics and excellent speakers. What a wonderful Christmas gift for the gardener or potential gardener on your list.
Fee for the series is $125, payable upon registration. For more information, call the extension office at 477-2048.