Discover New Gardening Skills at Master Gardeners’ Fall Workshops

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are offering a comprehensive series of workshops this fall, running from now until mid-December. The series features eleven topics designed for gardeners of all experience levels, including six new workshops aimed at enhancing skills for managing diverse home gardens.

Beginning in October, participants can learn about various gardening techniques. Workshops include creating a backyard meadow, effective weed identification and management, and hands-on fruit tree pruning. Other sessions will address gardening with native plants, assessing fruit for ripeness, and strategies for dealing with common garden pests such as gophers, moles, and squirrels.

October 11, 2023, marks the start of the workshop series with a session on “Creating a Backyard Blooming Meadow and Cottage Garden Look.” This workshop teaches attendees how to cultivate a low-maintenance garden by utilizing self-propagating plants.

On October 13, participants will focus on “Weed Identification and Management,” which aims to equip gardeners with skills to recognize and combat weeds effectively. A hands-on workshop on “Fruit Tree Pruning” will take place on October 17, where Master Gardener and orchardist Tom Hanson will guide participants in maintaining their trees.

Another significant offering is the “Gardening with California Native Plants” workshop on October 21. This session will cover essential practices for integrating native plants into gardens, promoting biodiversity and creating healthier ecosystems.

On October 24, the “Is it Ripe?” workshop will help attendees determine the optimal harvest times for their fruits and vegetables, discussing sensory cues such as touch, sight, and smell. The final workshop in October, scheduled for October 28, will focus on strategies for managing garden pests, including techniques for setting gopher traps.

November will feature workshops on topics such as plant propagation, with a session on November 8 teaching participants how to propagate woody perennials and divide plants. A workshop on November 10 will delve into the role of owls in natural pest control, while sessions on November 12 and November 19 will provide insights on landscape design, allowing participants to apply professional principles to their own gardening projects.

The series will also cover irrigation techniques on November 17, focusing on drip irrigation systems tailored to a Mediterranean climate. This session will provide insights into installation and troubleshooting methods.

Culminating the series is the “Gardening for a Lifetime” workshop on December 13, which will offer practical advice on adapting gardening practices as one ages. This workshop includes demonstrations of yoga positions designed to improve balance and strength for gardening activities.

Workshops will primarily take place at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden or Pat’s Barn at the Patrick Ranch, located at 10381 Midway, California. Other venues include the Bradley 2 OLLI classroom at The Social residence halls in Chico, the Dorothy F. Johnson Center at Chapman Park, and the Terry Ashe Recreation Center in Paradise.

All workshops are free, though registration is required. For detailed descriptions and to register, visit the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County website at tinyurl.com/2dz4cxl3.

Additionally, as wildfire season remains a concern in California, the community is encouraged to prepare properties for fire safety. Zeke Lunder, a pyrogeographer and wildfire expert, has launched a video series titled “Danger in Plain Sight,” which, while focused on Los Angeles, contains valuable information applicable to all regions.

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are part of the University of California Cooperative Extension system, providing educational resources and support to the community. For gardening questions or assistance, individuals can contact the hotline at (552) 581-2 or email [email protected].