University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has teamed up with the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources to host a workshop to discuss practices needed for growing grapes in Nevada, 9 a.m. – noon, Feb. 21.
The “Growing Grapes in Nevada” workshop is part of Cooperative Extension’s “Grow Your Own, Nevada!” spring series of workshops. Topics for this grape-growing workshop include:
- site selection
- vineyard establishment
- pruning
- irrigation
- disease control
- best varieties
- when to harvest
The University has been doing research on growing grapes in Nevada since establishing its own vineyard in 1995. Grant Cramer, a professor with the College of Agriculture, and Heidi Kratsch, a horticulture specialist with Cooperative Extension, will be presenting the Feb. 21 workshop. Cramer has been doing research for over 30 years on helping plants grow in adverse conditions. His research focuses on growing plants that tolerate salt-water irrigation, drought and cold. He was named the College’s Researcher of the Year in 2006 and 2010.
Among other things, Kratsch specializes in urban horticulture and sustainable plant production. She established “Grow Your Own, Nevada!” in fall 2011 to teach Nevadans about growing their own food for more healthy, sustainable living. Classes focus on horticultural principles that apply to growing various plants, tried-and-true methods from experienced gardeners, and new and alternative methods developed for growing on a small scale. Over 3,800 people have been trained since the program began.
The grape-growing workshop will be at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way. The cost is $25 per person. To register, visit http://www.growyourownnevada.
