Gardeners Toolbox Workshops

The Gardeners Toolbox Workshop Series is designed with all levels of gardeners in mind.  Whether you've been gardening for years or you're just starting out, there's something for everyone in the series.

We try to schedule a wide variety of topics for each Toolbox series.  Some of the workshops are repeated every year, but we do our best to add any new workshops that have been requested.  If you have an idea or request for a workshop, we'd really like to hear from you!

Landscape Pruning Workshop and Demonstration
February 16 & 17

Landscape tree pruning can be a lot different than pruning fruit trees...and topping is not the only option! Join us at the Extension Office on Thursday, February 16, at 6 PM as Bill Fountain from UK’s Horticulture Department discusses the hows, whys, and whens for pruning landscape trees. 

On Friday, February 17, at 1 PM, Bill will conduct a hands-on demonstration of landscape tree pruning at the Extension office.  This workshop will be outside so please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

These workshops are free, but pre-registration is required for planning purposes.

Fruit Tree Pruning and Grafting Workshops
February 21

Now that your landscape trees are in order, it’s time to focus on the fruit trees.  Dr. John Strang from the University of Kentucky’s Horticulture Department will be conducting a grafting workshop at 10 AM and again at 6 PM to  demonstrate grafting procedures for apple trees.  Each session is limited to the first 50 people who register.  

At 1 PM, Chris Smigell from the Horticulture Department will hold an on-site demonstration at a local farm to show how to prune grapes, blackberries, apples, and pears.  Directions to the site will be mailed a few days prior to the event.  Orders for apple and pear rootstock  ($1/each) will also be taken until the date of the workshop or until supplies are gone.  Call our office to place your order and/or reserve your place in the workshops.

Raspberry and Blackberry Production
March 8 at 6 PM

Wouldn’t it be great to harvest sweet, tasty raspberries and blackberries  right from your own back yard?  In this workshop, we’ll talk about everything from soil preparation to harvest.  Each paid participant in the class will receive one (1) Triple Crown blackberry and one (1) Lauren raspberry plant  that will be available for pickup in April.  The materials fee for this class is $10, and class size is limited to the first 50 paid participants.  (Additional plants can be purchased until March 15 — Call our office for more information.)

Private Pesticide Applicator Training
March 12 at 6 PM

In Kentucky, a private applicator  license is required to purchase some chemical pesticides.  At this training, we will review safety procedures for applying chemicals, storage of unused products, and recordkeeping requirements.  This license entitles you to purchase chemicals for personal use only.

Asparagus and Rhubarb Workshop
March 22 at 6 PM

New to this year’s gardening classes and plant orders are asparagus and rhubarb.  Both are perennials that, if planted and maintained properly, will provide a bountiful harvest for many years to come.  Paid participants in this workshop will receive one (1) MacDonald rhubarb and three (3) Jersey Knight asparagus plants to be picked up in April.  The materials fee for this class is $10, and class size is limited to  the first  30 paid participants.  (Additional plants can be purchased through March 15 —Call our office for more information.)

Growing Onions and Garlic
April 12 at 6 PM 

What better way to season your fresh garden vegetables than with home-grown onions and garlic!  Along with the wonderful  taste, they have a multitude of health benefits as well.  Tim Coolong from the University of Kentucky’s Horticulture Department will discuss the ideal growing conditions for these flavorful plants.  Each paid participant will receive 25 Candy onion transplants.  Materials fee is $10 and the class size is limited to the first 50 paid participants.

Strawberry Production Workshop
April 26 at 6 PM

Back by popular demand, our strawberry workshop always fills up quickly.  Learn how to  prepare the area for your strawberries, weed control suggestions, harvesting techniques, and tips for overwintering your plants.  Each paid participant will receive 25 Allstar and 25 Earliglow plants.  Materials fee is $10 and class size is limited to the first 50 paid participants.  (Additional plants can be purchased through March 15 —Call our office for more information.)

Backyard Fruit Tree Pest Management
May 10 at 6 PM

Join us for this presentation by Dr. John Strang of the University of Kentucky Horticulture Department and learn the best ways to protect your backyard fruit trees from the many pests that plague our area.  Materials fee is $5 per person.

Backyard Poultry Production
May 24 at 6 PM

Raising chickens in the backyard has become  very popular in our area in the last couple of years.  Whether for meat production or a steady supply of fresh eggs, the care and feeding of the chickens is quite similar.  We’ll discuss the health, shelter, and feeding of the birds to ensure the best quality product.  Materials fee—$5.

Garden Irrigation
June 14 at 6 PM

No matter how carefully you plan and arrange your garden,  plants must have an ample amount of water to survive.  Installing an irrigation system for your garden might be easier than you think.   Let us show you how.  Materials fee—$5.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I register?

There are several convenient ways to register for Gardeners Toolbox workshops.  You are welcome to stop by or call our office to register in person, or use our convenient online registration system.  The online registration page also a complete list of upcoming Extension events and classes in all program areas.

Why do I have to register in advance?

It’s very important that you pre-register for the workshops for several reasons:

• Space in many of the workshops is limited.
• Materials must be purchased or prepared prior to the workshop.  Registration allows us to make sure we have plenty of supplies for everyone.
• Some of our workshop presenters will be driving long distances to teach the class.  We must have at least four participants who have registered and paid the materials fee or the class may be canceled.
  
• If the workshop has to be canceled due to inclement weather or emergency, we can contact you to let you know.

Remember, registration is not complete until the materials fee has been paid.  Payment must be received at least four days prior to the workshop.