Although Mother Nature has been dishing out unpredictable weather the last few weeks, it will soon be time to get planting. Northern Nevada gardeners can find locally grown plants to brighten their yards, lift their spirits and produce nutritious, delicious veggies for their dinner tables at upcoming plant sales with plants from ҹɫÊÓƵ programs. University experts, volunteers and partners have been busy growing plant starts meant to thrive in the local Northern Nevada climate and growing conditions, and will be offering them up for sale to gardeners to support the University’s local education, research and outreach programs focused on gardening, food security, nutrition and agriculture.
Plant starts were cultivated by staff and volunteers of ’s and the ’s at the University’s and other University and partner locations. Both Extension and the Experiment Station are units of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, which seeks to promote availability and consumption of healthy local foods statewide, as well as to stimulate and assist the state’s agriculture and horticulture industries.
Master Gardener Plant Sale, Reno – May 15-16
Held at Extension’s office in Washoe County, 4955 Energy Way, 2 – 6 p.m., May 15; and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 16, featuring vegetables, annuals and perennials. For more information, email Rachel McClure or call her at 775-336-0274.
“The Master Gardener Program is primarily self-funded, and this initiative is one of the key ways we finance our efforts,” said Rachel McClure, Master Gardener coordinator in Washoe County.
Desert Farming Initiative Organic Plant Sale, Reno – May 16
The Desert Farming Initiative’s organic plants will be for sale at the , 8 a.m. – noon, May 16, at the Cooperative, 240 Court St., Reno. Plants can also be ordered online prior to the event. And this year, some unique offerings will be available for the first time.
“We’re encouraging our gardeners to embrace their inner-plant nerd,” said Jill Moe, the program’s director. “We are going to be offering pairs of tomato plants, such as two plants that are San Marzanos. But, one is a regular San Marzano plant, whereas the other is a San Marzano grafted onto a different rootstock that our research showed can provide a much higher yield.”
Those interested in the research can . There will also be other plant bundles available, such as seedless watermelon. For more information, email Jill Moe or call her at 775-682-9783.
Master Gardener Perennial Native & Adaptive Plant Sale, Minden – May 15-16
These sales feature pollinator-friendly plant sources from partners, including the Washoe Tree Nursery, Nevada’s Own and The Greenhouse Project.
May 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Presale "Shop With a Master Gardener” Event – Get first choice of all the plants that are available and one-on-one guidance from a Certified Master Gardener. A $25 ticket admits two people, and only 15 tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis through .
May 16, 9 a.m. - noon: Regular sale, free admission.
For more information, email Jessica Gardner or call her at 775-782-9960.
Master Gardener Native Pollinator-Friendly Landscape Plant Sale, Carson City – May 31
Held at the Carson City Community Garden, 1044 Beverly Drive, 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, email Adam Carpenter or call him at 775-887-2252.
Local gardeners may also want to check out Extension’s user-friendly for research-based advice on safely and effectively managing common yard and garden pests, including both weeds and insects. Those with yard and gardening questions can also . Visit the general to find contact information for several Extension offices throughout the state that have Master Gardeners ready to assist. Also look for Master Gardeners at farmers markets and other events throughout the spring and summer, where they will be ready to answer your gardening questions and help you troubleshoot your landscape challenges.
Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.
