North Vegas Times

Residents in Nevada who want to expand their green thumb this summer will be happy to know that the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension has established two online classes to help people become familiar with gardening in the state’s distinctive climate.

“We developed these programs to be accessible in every county in Nevada by moving them online,” Katelyn Brinkerhoff, statewide master gardener coordinator, told Nevada Today. “The training now includes materials, lectures and live sessions that will be available virtually and will be applicable to anyone wanting to start or learn more about gardening in the state.”

The fruit-based Home Gardening Certificate Program will run from Thursday, Aug. 4, to Thursday, Sept. 29, for a cost of $275. interested parties will have access to lectures, assignments, articles and receive feedback from professionals in the field of gardening. The live classes will take place online every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. and will include topics such as soil and plant nutrients, composting, native plants, small fruits and integrated pest management.

Katelyn Brinkerhoff | University of Nevada, Reno

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was held in person, but it has now become a medium to reach more people. It is also a prerequisite for the second online class offered by the university, which will teach students how to become a Nevada Certified Master Gardener.

Those who pass the Home Horticulture Certification Program final exam will be eligible to apply for the Master Gardener Training Program, which costs $25 and runs from Thursday, Oct. 27, to Thursday, Dec. 8.