Gardening in Nevada can be challenging. Before digging in this spring, you can get some free advice from the experts – University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and their Certified Master Gardeners. Cooperative Extension has teamed up with Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space to offer the “Gardening in Nevada” free series of classes 6 – 8 p.m., every Tuesday, Feb. 4 – March 25, at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road in Reno.

The classes are taught by Cooperative Extension horticulturists and experts, and Cooperative Extension’s Certified Master Gardener volunteers. Classes include:

• Feb. 4: Training and Pruning Fruit Trees – Certified Arborist and Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Michael Janik discusses the basics of fruit tree pruning, pruning to maximize production and the art of espalier (training fruit trees to grow on trellises or against a flat surface).
• Feb.11: Creating Backyard Habitats for Hummingbirds, Butterflies and Other Pollinators – Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Pamela Van Hoozer teaches gardeners how to attract beneficial insects to increase crop production and reduce pests.
• Feb. 18: Selecting and Growing Garlic in Northern Nevada – Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Earstin Whitten explores the best garlic planting times, varieties and growing methods.
• Feb. 25: Native Plants in the Garden – Cooperative Extension Horticulturist Specialist Heidi Kratsch presents the benefits of native plants and discusses their growing conditions, care and maintenance.
• March 4: Selecting and Caring for Fruit Trees – Certified Arborist and Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Michael Janik, who grows more than 100 varieties of fruit trees in northern Nevada, delivers must-know fruit tree selection, planting and maintenance tips.
• March 11: Indoor/Outdoor Plants – Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Suzanne Adams explores strategies for growing zone 6-9 plants in zone 5, increasing variety in the landscape.
• March 18: Trees and Turf: Creating Healthy Landscapes – Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator Wendy Hanson Mazet discusses how to keep trees and turf healthy and strong in the urban environment, with proper watering, fertilization and care.
• March 25: Successful Vegetable Gardening – Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Randy Robison reveals the secrets to bountiful, award-winning harvests, including improving soil, rotating crops, using companion planting and gardening in raised beds.

For more information on the Gardening in Nevada classes, contact University of Nevada Cooperative Extension at 775-336-0265 or go to www.growyourownnevada.com. For help with your gardening questions, contact Master Gardeners at mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu, 775-336-0265 or the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. Those planning to attend any of the “Gardening in Nevada” classes who are in need of special accommodations are encouraged to contact Cooperative Extension at least three working days prior to the class they wish to attend.