Forum I (March 22, 2021): Vegetable Gardens

Low-Tech, Inexpensive Season Extension Tools. Greta Gramig, Associate Professor 
We'll discuss some low-tech, inexpensive, and easily implemented tools home gardeners can use for extending short growing seasons. Tools covered will include indoor sowing, simple cold frames, frost blankets, and row covers.
Handouts: To be posted by March 22.

No-Till Gardening. Calla Edwards, Agriculture Educator
"No-till" gardening has been called many names, but the goals are always the same: improve soil organic material, reduce weeding and improve soil structure. Who doesn’t want that for their garden?
Handouts: To be posted by March 22. 

Best Vegetable Varieties for North Dakota. Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist 
Hundreds of gardeners in our state have discovered the highest yielding, best tasting varieties. We'll discuss the finest varieties, including modern, heirloom and organic selections. 
Handouts: To be posted by March 22.  

Forum II (March 29, 2021): Woody Ornamentals 

Emerald Ash Borer Update. Joe Zeleznik, Extension Forester
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive pest that, fortunately, still has not been found in North Dakota. We’ll discuss a number of changes that have occurred in the last few years regarding management of this insect. 
Handouts: To be posted by March 29.

Hardy Maples for Northern Landscapes. Todd West, Professor
Maples are one of the most popular shade trees for boulevards and lawns. Let’s discuss different maple species and cultivars that will work in our Northern climate.
Handouts: To be posted by March 29.  

Anyone Can Grow Roses Successfully in 10 Easy Steps. Don Kinzler, Horticulture Educator
Roses have earned the reputation of being difficult-to-grow, easily winter-killed and labor-intensive. Contrary to this reputation, roses can be fun, easy and rewarding for Northern gardeners by following a 10-step program..
Handouts: To be posted by March 29.    

Forum III (April 5, 2021): Healthy Environment  

Know the 'Good Bugs' in Your Garden. Jan Knodel, Extension Entomologist
We will discuss how to identify ‘good’ bugs, what type of insect pests they eat or parasitize, and how to conserve them in your garden for pest control.
Handouts: To be posted by April 5.

Protecting Landscape and Garden Plants from Lawn Herbicides. Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, Professor
Can you avoid damaging landscape and garden plants when spraying lawn weeds? We'll discuss how injury typically occurs and then show which plants are most and least sensitive to plant growth regulator herbicides.
Handouts: To be posted by April 5.

Backyard Composting Basics. Carrie Knutson, Horticulture Educator
Composting can be a daunting undertaking for many gardeners. We will cover basic composting rules and what you need to start composting your backyard.
Handouts: To be posted by April 5. 

Forum IV (April 12, 2021): Special Topics 

Ornamental Grasses for Rain Gardens. Esther McGinnis, Extension Horticulturist
Rain gardens are challenging environments with plants subjected to alternating periods of flooding and drought and exposure to salts and petroleum products. Learn about new NDSU research demonstrating the resilience of grasses and sedges to environmental stresses.
Handouts: To be posted by April 12. 

How are the Haskaps Doing? Kathy Wiederholt, Northern Hardy Fruit Project Manager
The Carrington Research Extension Center has a large collection of Japanese haskaps from the only breeder in the United States. Find out what traits we are looking for to improve their chances of success in North Dakota.
Handouts: To be posted by April 12. 

Engaging Youth in the Garden. Kelsey Deckert, Horticulture Educator  
Join us to learn about fun ways to engage youth in the garden as they develop lifetime skills and healthier eating habits. Gardening is so much more than playing in the dirt!
Handouts: To be posted by April 12.    

Photos courtesy of Chiot's Run; Steven Lybeck; congerdesign from Pixabay; Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org; Bonnie Moreland; Chris Heidenreich; Nimrod Oren from Pixabay; Tom Kalb; Linda, Fortuna future; pverdonk; Proven Winners; and Joan Zettel. 

For more information, please contact Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, NDSU.