LOVELOCK - Did you know that the average carrot travels over 1,800 miles before landing on your dinner plate, or that about 93 percent of your food dollar pays processors, packagers, distributors, wholesalers and truck drivers?
This is according to the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension pamphlet for the "Grow your Own" classes being held at the Lovelock extension office.
The Grow Your Own series is presented by the UNR Cooperative Extension in the Pershing County Community Center on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.
"The Grow Your Own class is a back-to-the-basics guide. It encourages everyone to grow their own food which can lead to a more sustainable, local, healthy living life style," said Karen Beatty-Lee, Pershing County administrative assistant for Cooperative Extension.
The series of eight classes started April 4. Upcoming classes include "Gardening in Nevada's soil" on April 24; "Nutrients and fertilizers for your vegetables," May 1; "Edible herbs and flowers," May 8; "Berries and brambles," May 15; and on May 22 "Selection of fruit tree varieties."
The classes provide valuable information to the experienced and inexperienced gardener.
"These classes are excellent for the new gardener because you learn about proper soil preparation, seed preparation, crop protection, how to take care of your fruit trees, growing edible herbs and flowers, just to name a few. The most beneficial part of this series is learning how to work with the harsh climate and poor soil conditions we experience here in Nevada so we can obtain that productive garden we work so hard to create," Beatty-Lee said.
"There is always something new to learn, no matter how much you think you know. Some of our attendees are long time gardeners and are still learning new planting techniques and more beneficial ways to get rid of the garden pests," she added.
All of the presenters are experts in their fields. The classes are live interactive video from UNR Cooperative Extension with intercom accessibility for participants in Lovelock and other rural areas. The classes are free to Lovelock participants.
Beatty-Lee said there is still room for more participants. The classes start at 6 p.m.
Beatty-Lee said she will keep the community center open until 6:30 p.m., and if no one shows by then she will close the building.
Anyone wishing to attend should call the extension office at 273-2923 in order for her to have enough handouts printed for the class.[[In-content Ad]]
