Bob will discuss where horticultural oils come from, who manufactures them and their application for a wide variety of garden problems including non-insect issues. “While most people with orchards will know these oils are used to treat insect issues, they also have application in the treatment for fungal diseases,” he said.

Bob will also talk about how these oils may be used for organic gardening. “Many people may regard these oils as intrusive to organic gardening methods, but many are recommended for organic use by certifying organizations including Washington State University,” Bob said. “There are also horticultural oils and other oils which can be substituted for those derived from petroleum and we will show examples of these alternatives.”

Bob earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in biology and chemistry and has a Ph.D. in chemistry. He has 40 years of experience growing vegetables in Scotland, Ireland, Colorado and Washington. Bob has been a veteran of the Clallam County Master Gardeners since 2009. He has written monthly articles on plant disease for the Clallam County Master Gardener Newsletter and is a frequent contributor to gardening columns in the local newspaper. Bob has been celebrated as the 2009 Master Gardener Intern of the Year and 2011 Master Gardener of the Year. He served as the Garden Manager of the Woodcock Demonstration Garden in Sequim for seven years and is a past President and Board member of the Master Gardener Foundation of Clallam County.

The “Green Thumbs Garden Tips” education series, sponsored by the Washington State University Clallam County Master Gardeners, is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month through October. In November, December, and January, one lecture is offered. Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar for the latest information on upcoming presentations. For questions, call 360-565-2678.