New landscape classes: lawn alternatives, save water

A series of landscaping and gardening classes will be held during September in Reno by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

“Anyone can become a better gardener by attending these classes,” said horticulture specialist Heidi Kratsch in a press release. “From the beginner to the advanced gardener, everyone can benefit from a Grow Your Own class.”

The series will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 1 to 24. The workshop topics are:

Sept. 1 : Growing Fruit Trees and Edible Landscapes

: Growing Fruit Trees and Edible Landscapes Sept. 3: Lawn Alternatives to Protect Your Trees

Lawn Alternatives to Protect Your Trees Sept. 8: Save Water and Your Landscape

Save Water and Your Landscape Sept. 10: IPM Techniques for New Beekeepers

IPM Techniques for New Beekeepers Sept. 15: Aquaponics

Aquaponics Sept. 17: Improving Your Soil

Improving Your Soil Sept. 22: Garden Clean-Up for Pest Prevention

Garden Clean-Up for Pest Prevention Sept. 24: Composting Kitchen and Garden Waste

The workshops will be at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. They will also be available via interactive video at Cooperative Extension offices in Carson City, Elko, Gardnerville, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Tonopah, Winnemucca and Yerington.

Instructors include Kratsch, horticulturist Wendy Hanson Mazet, urban integrated pest management and pesticide safety program coordinator Melody Hefner, and integrated pest management educator Joy Paterson.

To register, visit www.growyourownnevada.com. The class fee for those attending at the Washoe County office is $15 per class or $60 for all eight classes. K-12 teachers and master gardeners in Reno receive a discount on registration cost. Class fees in other locations vary. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.