Area garden, home workshops coming up soon

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Several garden-type workshops, put on by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners, will be held over the next several months.

Here are several garden and home workshops coming up soon:

• Grow Your Best Tomatoes Ever, Thu., June 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Pacific Park Natural Demonstration Area, Northeast 18th Street and Northeast 72nd Avenue in Vancouver: Already planted tomatoes this year? Not yet? It’s not too late. If you want to grow your best tomatoes ever, join Master Gardener Al Pavelko in a demonstration workshop on growing tomatoes. Topics will include choosing determinant or indeterminant types, planting techniques, fertilizer recommendations, pest and disease prevention and step-by-step instructions on support and pruning. Immediately following the workshop, participants will provide 45 minutes of service in the demo gardens. Dress appropriately for the weather. Tools will be provided, but bring your favorite garden gloves. This workshop is put on in conjunction with Clark County Environmental Services. Free, no registration required. For more information, call (360) 397-6060, ext. 5738 or email erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.



• It’s OK to Bug Us, Sat., June 20, 2-4 p.m., in the Floral Building at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds in Longview: Looking for a fun and educational experience for your children? WSU Master Gardeners will host this free program for children (K-9). Youth will experience the world of insects through this interactive workshop. Fun activities will give students a first-hand look at insects and they will learn about all the good that bugs provide. Sponsored by WSU Extension Master Gardeners. Registration is limited, register by June 15. To register, contact the WSU Extension Office at (360) 577-3014, ext. 0. For more information, contact Jessica Bischoff at bischoffj@co.cowtliz.wa.us.

• Garden Fact or Myth? Sat., July 11, 10 a.m.-noon, at Pacific Park Natural Garden Demo Site, Northeast 18th Street and Northeast 172nd Avenue, Vancouver: Do egg shells repel slugs? Does vinegar kill weeds? Should you add sand to clay soils? Garden advice abounds; from garden websites, television programs and well-meaning relatives. Some of it is right on and some is just plain wrong. Attend this workshop and separate fact from fiction. Join Master Gardeners and learn the truth behind some of the most prevalent garden and landscape advice. Immediately following the workshop, participants will provide 45 minutes of service in the demo gardens. Dress appropriately for the weather. Tools will be provided, but bring your own favorite garden gloves. No registration required. For more information, call (360) 397-6060, ext. 5738 or email erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.

• Growing Cover Crops in the Home Garden Workshop, Sat., Aug. 15, 10 a.m., at the Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal: Learn about the many benefits and joys of growing cover crops in your home garden. Learn how to select the right cover crops for your space and needs, when and how to sow your seeds and what to do with your cover crop in the spring. Ian Wilson is owner and founder of Portland Edible Gardens, whose mission is that “every person should have the opportunity to eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables that were grown in their own garden.” Wilson’s experience includes working on farms, gardens and orchards in Vermont, Oregon, Hawaii and Argentina and attendance at the acclaimed Organic Farm and Garden Apprenticeship Program at UC Santa Cruz, where he received an Advanced Certificate in Ecological Horticulture. No registration necessary. For more information, call (360) 397-6060, ext. 5783 or email erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.