On the Extension Line: Gardening in Alaska workshop series is coming

As more and more of our yards finally begin to appear from this winter’s heavy snowpack, Valley residents’ minds are turning to the pleasant prospect of gardening season. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service wants that prospect to be a successful one. For that reason it will soon be offering its free Gardening in Alaska Workshop Series:

Alaska Gardening 101: Sometimes becoming a successful Alaska gardener is forgetting everything you learned Outside about gardening. This two-hour class is ideal for those new to Alaska or new to gardening in Alaska. Topics will include garden planning, site selection, soil sampling, organic and conventional fertilization and more. Program will take place April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Composting in Alaska: If you think composting is just piling leaves, lawn clippings and kitchen scraps in the corner of your yard, think again. This workshop will teach you how to make compost in weeks, not in months and years like most gardeners. Topics will include what materials to use to get the right nitrogen/carbon balance, soil science and the fundamentals of organic gardening. Program will take place May 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Lawn Establishment and Maintenance: Establishing a beautiful lawn is one of the most inexpensive things you can do to improve the value of your home. A properly maintained lawn is also environmentally friendly because vigorously growing grass can reduce non-point source pollution, which is the leading cause of water pollution. This workshop will teach you how to make even the most rag-tag lawn the envy of your neighborhood. Topics include grass selection, yard preparation, appropriate fertilization, proper mowing, best watering practices and weed control. Program will take place May 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Chicken University: What do chickens and gardening have in common? Lots! Chicken manure is one of the best-balanced natural fertilizers available, and the homegrown eggs and meat are excellent. Learn the fundamentals of cold-weather chicken rearing at this workshop. Topics include bird selection, nutrition, coop design, hygiene, incubation, getting hens to lay and, believe it or not, chicken psychology. Program will take place May 4, 6:30 8 p.m.

All four of these courses will be taught by Mat-Su/Copper River District Agriculture Agent Steve Brown. Classes will take place downstairs at the Matanuska Telephone Association Conference Rooms, 480 Commercial Drive, Palmer. Workshops are free, but seating is limited and registration is required. To register, sign up on our website at www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/matsu, email us at matsu.ces@alaska.edu or call us at 745-3360.

For more information about horticulture, nutrition, health, home and family development or 4-H and youth development programs, visit at 809 S. Chugach St. in Palmer. Find us online at uaf.edu/ces.

Stephen Brown is the Mat Su/Copper River District Agriculture Agent.