Session/Time

Code

Class

Instructor

Short Description

8:00-9:00 AM

Hospitality and Registration

9:00-10:00

Keynote address

Garden Myths and Legends:  The Science Behind Gardening in the Monterey Bay Area

Steve Tjosvold

Does talking to plants really make them grow better? Will adding a penny to a flower vase solution increase the flowers’ vase life? Does adding a layer of rocks at the bottom of a pot increase drainage? These and other garden myths and legends will be debated, and supported or debunked.

10:15-11:15

Session 1

1.1

Identification and Control of Plant Pests

Dr. Shimat Joseph

The class discusses identification of common plant pests, and their biological control agents in the garden.

1.3

Introduction to Soils

Peter Shaw

Gain a better understanding of your garden’s soil. Topics include pH levels, nutrients, and water management. (Note: Classes 1.3 and 2.3 are the same class repeated. Please sign up for only one.)

1.4*

Intro to Regenerative Beekeeping Using Top Bar Hives

Patricia Indries

This class is for people interested in keeping backyard bees (on a small scale). The class will discuss bee biology, bee colonies, bee disease basics, hive management, how to start bee keeping, and much more.  (Outdoor Class)

1.5

A Wok in the Garden: High Intensity Cooking Fun Outdoors

Jozseph Schultz from India Joze Restaurant

Growing and Cooking with Herbs from your home garden. Participants should bring fresh edible herbs for use in the demonstration.

1.6*

Organic Gardening Practices

Doug O’Brien

Learn the basic principles behind organic gardening and practical methods for getting started. (Note: Class 1.6 and Class 2.6 are the same class repeated. Sign up for only one.)  (Outdoor Class)

1.7*

Compost A-Z

Otis Johnson

Learn the basics of how to make compost and use it in your garden from a Master Composter.  (Outdoor Class)

11:15-1:00

Lunch Break

Lunch sold

Cruz N Gourmet catering truck

During lunch

Become a Master Gardener

Simon Stapleton

A short lunchtime lecture on how to become a Master Gardener. The next class starts in January 2014.

During lunch

Cabrillo Plant Sale

Cabrillo staff & MG volunteers

1:00-2:00

Session 2

2.1

Roses for the Central Coast

Joseph Truskot

Detailed information on various family groups of roses–basic needs, care and feeding, and propagation, with a focus on specific varieties of roses that thrive on the Central Coast.

2.2

Water-Smart Gardening in Santa Cruz County

Vaidehi Campbell, Soquel Creek Water District

Learn how to use the Water-Smart Gardening website as a resource to get ideas for your garden and find tips on water-smart gardening techniques.

2.3

Introduction to Soils

Peter Shaw

Gain a better understanding of your garden’s soil. Topics include pH levels, nutrients, and water management.  (Note: Classes 1.3 and 2.3 are the same class repeated. Please sign up for only one.)

2.4*

The Science of Pruning

Peter Quintanilla

Learn some basic pruning techniques that will help you both control the growth and maintain the natural growth habit of your small garden trees. (Outdoor Class)

2.5

Edible Landscaping

Master Gardeners Joan Halperin, Marie Metivier-DeMasters, Carole Schmidt, and Catharine Gunderson

Learn the basics of design, planting and maintenance for all scales of edible landscapes.

2.6*

Organic Gardening Practices

Doug O’Brien

Learn the basic principles behind organic gardening and practical methods for getting started. (Note: Class 1.6 and Class 2.6 are the same class repeated. Sign up for only one.)  (Outdoor Class)

2.7*

Miracle of Microbes: Compost tea and more

Otis Johnson & Robyn Cooper

Discover how you can use a small amount of compost and ‘farm’, or breed-up beneficial microbes for use in the garden through Actively Aerated Compost Tea.  (Outdoor Class)

2:15-3:15

Session 3

3.1

Irrigation Repair, and Maintenance

Michael Johnson

Learn the basics of water conservation in the residential irrigation system.

3.2

Solving Human-Wildlife Conflicts I: Principles and Common Yard & Garden Problems (gophers, ground squirrels, & other small mammals)

Dr. Robert Timm

This class discusses human-wildlife conflicts and how to find solutions such as exclusion, repellents, changing the habitat, altering animal behavior, and–when necessary–animal removal or population reduction.

3.3

Bees and Butterflies and Birds, Oh My!

Lisa McAndrews

This class will present the principles of how a backyard ecosystem works, including attracting pollinators, birds, and other beneficials.

3.4*

The Art of Pruning

Peter Quintanilla

Learn specific pruning techniques that can bring out a tree’s unique characteristics and make it the focal point in the garden.  (Outdoor Class)

3.5

IPM – Using Less Toxic Pesticides

Master Gardeners Pam Poco, Ernest & Madeline Franco

Gain hands-on experience determining which pesticides are effective on pests, but easier on beneficial insects.

3.6*

Go Forth & Propagate: Seeds

Nicky Hughes

Learn simple techniques for growing plants from seed, plus methods for breaking seed dormancy in harder-to germinate species.  (Outdoor Class)

3.8*

Berries for the Home Gardener

Mark Bolda

This class will cover the horticulture of strawberries, caneberries, and – briefly – blueberries, including planting, fertility, harvest, and pest management.  (Outdoor Class)

3:30-4:30

Session 4

4.1

Water Conservation Methods

Sherry Bryan

Learn how to reduce your water demand, improve irrigation efficiency, and use low-cost alternative water sources such as greywater and rainwater.

4.2

Large Vertebrate Pest Control: Deer, raccoons, skunks

Dr. Robert Timm

This class will discuss specific techniques that can help reduce conflicts with medium-to-large mammals, such as deer, tree squirrels, Canada geese, and raccoons.

4.3

Landscaping with Native Plants

Lisa McAndrews

This class will provide an overview of the 10 most popular, garden-friendly California native plants for central coast gardens.

4.4*

Sheet Mulching and Lawn Removal

Ken Foster

Get rid of your lawn using the classic Permaculture technique of sheet mulching plus other techniques and some alternatives to replace your lawn.  (Outdoor Class)

4.5

IPM – Biological Control of Pests

MGs Joann Godoy & Marie Metivier-DeMasters

Learn how to manage pests by employing the beneficial action of predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors in controlling pests and their damage.

4.6*

Go Forth & Propagate: Cuttings

Nicky Hughes

Learn how to propagate plants from cuttings, including selecting the right wood, potting media, rooting hormones, and transplanting.  (Outdoor Class)

4.7*

Selection & Care of Citrus for the Monterey Bay Area

Lexa Dillon from Four Winds Growers

Learn all about the citrus varieties that do well in this area and the best way to care for your trees.  (Outdoor Class)

4:30-5:00

Master Gardener Raffle