RENO - Nevadans can learn to grow safe, fresh, organic produce at home and in school and community gardens without spending a lot of money.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will help show residents how during seven "Grow Your Own, Nevada!" gardening classes featuring "back-to-basics" best practices for producing bountiful harvests. Classes started on July 8 and will be held on Mondays, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. until Aug. 26, live in Reno and video-conferenced to extension offices throughout the state.
This summer session is focused on getting Nevadans of all ages away from sedentary lifestyles and outside into the garden. All students are welcome, even ones who may not have considered learning to garden before due to lack of experience or space.
"Many communities in Nevada are considered 'food deserts,' because they have limited access to fresh, healthy foods," said Heidi Kratsch, Cooperative Extension horticulture specialist. "We're trying to change that by offering these courses to help Nevadans turn their backyards, schoolyards and community spaces into sustainable, edible gardens."
For those attending the classes in Reno, the July 8 class was free; each additional class is $15; or participants can preregister to take the rest of the seven classes for a flat fee of $50.
Local K-12 teachers may attend for free with proper identification. At other locations, where the classes will be available via video-conference, fees vary from free to $15 per course.
Classes include:
• July 15: Composting in Small Places
• July 22: Reducing Food Safety Risks in Home, School and Community Gardens
• July 29: Kids in the Garden
• Aug. 5: What's Wrong with My Plant?
• Aug. 12: Urban Organic Farming
• Aug. 19: Native Plants for Garden Pollinators
• Aug. 26: Garden Design & Function
The classes are available at the Cooperative Extension office in Battle Mountain at 815 N. Second St., (775) 635-5565.
For more information, visit the Grow Your Own, Nevada! website at www.growyourownnevada.com.[[In-content Ad]]
