WSU Master Gardener On-line Workshops: October

On Tuesdays at noon, and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., WSU Master Gardeners present weekly on-line free programs. No need to register, just pop in. Connection information (you must have a zoom account--sign up for one at zoom.us), then join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android: https://wsu.zoom.us/j/7756056320?pwd=RzVxbTl0dXpyUjJjSDdsWnJuTXdydz09

Meeting ID: 775 605 6320

Password: 12345

Phone Call: +1 253 215 8782, 775 605 6320#

For help, contact Gary Fredricks at garyf@wsu.edu or 360-577-3014 Ext. 3. Workshops are sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.

· October, 5 Noon, How to Plant Trees and Shrubs: Protect your investment by giving your trees and shrubs the best possible foundation--planting them correctly! WSU Master Gardener Adam Weeks will provide the correct techniques for planting trees and shrubs. Learn tips on where to plant to keep your plants healthy.

· October 6, 6:00 p.m., How to Sharpen your Tools: Join WSU Master Gardener Jerry Winchell as he demonstrates how to clean and sharpen tools before putting them away for winter storage, so they'll be ready to work for you in the spring. He'll share hints about storing other gardening tools, too.

· October 12, Noon, Planting Bulbs: WSU Master Gardener Tracy Morgan will explain everything you wanted to know about planting bulbs. You will learn how to get started, when to plant, and how to care for them so they become an annual delight.

· October 13, 6:00 p.m., Worm Composting: Do you realize that about 1/3 of our kitchen scraps ends up in the garbage? WSU Master Gardener Art Fuller will describe how to harness the power of worms to recycle food waste and create an amazing soil amendment for our gardens. Learn the process in which red wiggler worms and microorganisms are used to convert kitchen fruit and vegetable waste (peelings, etc.) into nutrient-rich, humus - “black gold” - compost. This is an amazing fertilizer and soil conditioner that will make your garden plants healthier and more productive. This free online workshop you will learn about this method of composting.

You can purchase a simple composting box kit for $30. The kit contains everything you need to begin your vermiculture experience, including worms. The kit also includes an exclusive link to an informative presentation about worm composting followed by step-by-step video instruction for building your own bin. Register and pay securely online https://www.ticketsource.us/wsu-extension-master-gardeners . Pickup of bins will be in Longview on October 11 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

· October 14, 6:00 p.m., Evaluating Mason Bees Cocoons: Billie Bevers, Washington State University Master Gardener will present a workshop on how to evaluate mason bees cocoons for disease. During the spring and summer other bees, diseases and parasites can invade mason bee nests. Learn how to identify what’s in your mason bee cocoon is still viable and how to reduce disease. The program sponsored by Washington State University Extension.

· October 19, Noon, Selecting Drought Tolerant Plants: Plants continue to suffer every summer from heat and lack of moisture. WSU Master Gardener Alice Slusher will describe which plants to select that are more drought tolerant and tips to consider when buying plants for your landscape.

· October 20, 6:00 p.m., Propagating Plants: WSU Master Gardener Roxanne Nakamura will demonstrate different techniques used for producing new plants from your existing ones. Learn how to successfully generate new shrubs from those that are found in gardens around you.

· October 26, Noon, Making a Rain Garden: We live in a area where we either get too much rain or not enough. If your landscape suffers from being too soggy, WSU Extension Coordinator, Gary Fredricks will discuss an environmentally friendly way to create a native plant oasis that soaks up the extra rainwater. Learn how and where to place the garden, how to construct it, and what plants to consider.

· October 27, 6:00 p.m., Spice of Life (Growing Herbs): WSU Master Gardener Carolyn Winchell will show you how to plant, grow and harvest the most popular herbs that you can enjoy fresh from your own garden. What to do with herbs after harvest will be discussed such as in preserving, storage and easy usage of these flavorful plants.