Extension’s certified Master Gardener volunteers and Associate Professors Angela O’Callaghan and M.L. Robinson are holding online “Growing Under the Stars” and “Gardening in Small Places” workshops, as well as in-person beekeeping workshops and botanic garden tours throughout April, May and June for southern Nevada gardeners. Classes cover toxins in the garden, saving seeds, solving garden problems, gardening in the Mojave and introduction to beekeeping.

“These workshops have become very popular for both new and well-seasoned gardeners,” Lori Leas, Extension program coordinator, said. “Our Growing Under the Stars has always seen a lot of interest, and it’s exciting to see other topics such as beekeeping attracting attention as well.”

Details on the workshops include:

Growing Under the Stars With Master Gardeners Zoom Workshops

• April 20, 6 – 8 m., Toxins in the Garden

Gardening in the desert can be quite challenging. Besides the heat, low rainfall and poor soil, there are spiny and toxic plants, as well as harmful microorganisms and hazardous minerals in the soil. Gail Brandys, a Master Gardener volunteer and certified safety professional, will review some of the physical, chemical and biological hazards that are most common in southern Nevada gardens and provide helpful hints on how to protect yourself, your family and your pets. A list of interesting books on plant toxins will also be provided. Register online for Toxins in the Garden.

• May 4, 6 – 8 m., Saving Seeds

Learning how to save seeds from favorite vegetables and herbs can prevent gardeners from having to buy seeds each season. Master Gardener volunteer Heather Ridenour will teach how to select the best seeds for particular growing conditions and for the qualities individual gardeners prefer. Learn to avoid seed-saving pitfalls. Register online for Saving Seeds.

Gardening in Small Places Zoom Classes

• May 15, 9 – 11:30 m., Solving Garden Problems

As summer approaches, gardeners may notice holes in leaves, black spots on the bottoms of tomatoes, spots on leaves, squash not developing or a variety of other things. Learn about common problems in the garden, what causes them, how to avoid them, and what to do about them if they occur. Registration is $10. Register online for Solving Garden Problems.

• June 19, 9 m. – noon, The Dirt on Soil

Those who have gardened in other parts of the country and then tried to garden in southern Nevada have likely noticed the soil is different. Mojave soils are infertile, salty and alkaline, fine for desert natives, but not good for much else. Learn about the soil in your yard in this workshop, and you will be asked to collect a bag of soil from your yard to test as part of the workshop. Registration is $10. Register online for The Dirt on Soil.

In-person beekeeping workshops and garden tours (All current COVID protocols will be followed at in-person events.)

• Saturday, May 8 and May 22, 9 m. – noon, Introduction to Beekeeping

This class will teach the basics to beekeeping, including practical information on how to set up your first bee hive. Registration is $12. Register online for the May 8 Introduction to Beekeeping class. Register online for the May 22 Introduction to Beekeeping class.

• Thursday, April 22, 10 m., Garden tour

Come learn about what’s blooming in Extension’s Botanic Gardens. Master Gardener docents will guide visitors through the gardens to show and discuss the many things that grow in Clark County. A minimum of a $5 donation to the Botanic Garden is requested. Reserve a spot online for the April 22 tour.

For more information on gardening events or for general horticultural inquiries, email the Master Gardeners in Clark County, call 702-222-3130 or visit the Extension website. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.