University Cooperative Extension hosts plant fair

RENO – University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners will hold their 16th annual Plant Faire 7-11 a.m., May 16 at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. About 5,000 plants will be available, including 26 heirloom tomato varieties, four varieties of greens, four specialty plant varieties, 23 herb varieties, 14 pepper varieties, eight summer squash varieties, five winter squash varieties, six pumpkin varieties, eight melon varieties, six cucumber varieties and three eggplant varieties.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about vegetables that grow in our short season,” Cooperative Extension Horticulture and Master Gardener Program Coordinator Wendy Hanson Mazet said. “Attendees will also have a chance to learn firsthand about growing tools and techniques from Master Gardeners who have been growing vegetables in northern Nevada for decades.”

Four-inch plants are $1.50 each, and one-gallon plants are $3 each. Specialty plants are individually priced. The Master Gardeners will use the proceeds to update equipment used to identify bugs and plant problems, as well as equipment for community outreach.

“This sale is smaller than it has been,” she said, “so come early for the best selection.”

For more information, an advanced plant list or general horticultural inquiries, contact University of Nevada Cooperative Extension at 775-784-4848 or mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu, or visit www.unce.unr.edu.