Virtual classes at UNR offer tips for growing healthy food

University of Nevada, Reno Extension is offering free online courses this April to teach gardening basics. Extension's Grow Your Own, Nevada! program will livestream eight classes via Zoom to help Nevadans who want to get on a path to more sustainable, local and healthy living by growing and preserving more of their own food.

“More and more Nevadans are wanting to try their hand at growing their own food, and Extension wants to encourage that and help them to be successful,” said Heidi Kratsch, Extension horticulture specialist. “Whether you have a large garden area, or just limited space, and whether you’re new to gardening or experienced, these workshops will help guide you to a successful gardening season.”

The series of workshops will run 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 2-25. The workshops will provide gardeners and those interested in growing healthy foods with a back-to-the-basics guide to producing bountiful harvests in Nevada. The topics will include the following:

• April 4: Getting started with your vegetable garden – Heidi Kratsch

• April 9: Backyard cover crops – Heidi Kratsch

• April 11: The most destructive garden pests – Megan Andrews

• April 16: Garden weed control – Wendy Hanson Mazet

• April 18: Gardening in small spaces – Rachel McClure

• April 23: Is beekeeping for you? Tips for the beginner – Lindsay Chichester

• April 25: Attracting beneficial insects to your garden – Carrie Jensen

Residents must register online for each class they wish to attend, and the Zoom link will be provided after registration is received. All workshops are free of charge.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.