Join us April 11 for the WSU Stevens County Master Gardeners’ annual gardening workshop, formally known as Sowing Seeds. Early registration cost is $20. You can register on-line at https://wsumg.bpt.me/. Or download a registration From the Ground Up Brochure and mail it to the extension office (986 S. Main, Suite D Colville, WA 99114)

Enrollment starts at 8:30am.
Classes start at 9am.
There are 16 classes to choose from, please choose one class from each track. This year there will be door prizes which will be drawn at the closing plenary (must be present to win). There will also be silent auction items. Funds raised from this auction will go to support the Firewise Education garden at the Colville Community Garden and fund future workshops throughout the county.

Opening Plenary with Guest Speaker, Master Gardener Debra Kroon. (9-9:45am)

• Monarch Bliss: Learn about the Monarch Rearing project that Dr. David James is leading for Monarch Butterflies in the Pacific Northwest. The presenter participated in a season of Monarch rearing and will share that experience and a bit more about Monarchs that she has learned.  Questions will be answered.

Track One (10-10:50am)
Structural Pruning: Taught by Garth Davis with the Spokane County Conservation District

The audience will be taught the process of structurally pruning trees while they are young.  Training a central leader into tall growing tress will create trees that are better able to avoid damage during snow and wind events.  Questions will be answered.

Beekeeping in Northeast Washington: Taught by Doug Johnson

Learn about wintering bees in the Pacific Northwest and rearing queens from survivor stock, honey production and varroa mite control.

Tool Maintenance: Mike LeCaire, Sun Rental 

Discussion of selection, maintenance, sharpening and storage of hand powered gardening tools.

Composting: Spokane County Master Gardeners

Composting can be a complicated but effective way of recycling yard and food waste. Unearth various compost methods during this presentation.

Track Two (11-11:50am)
Structural Pruning: Taught by Garth Davis with the Spokane County Conservation District

Repeat of morning class.

Gardening on a Dime: Taught by Mary Sety and fellow WSU Stevens County Master Gardeners (limit 20)

Explore cost efficient ways to start your seeds at home. Includes affordable plans for building a grow light. Learn how to roll paper pots for seeds and get a start on the gardening season at home. Hands-on workshop.

Backyard Chickens: Pete Thompson, Burnt Valley Farms

So you want to keep a few hens? Interested in farm fresh eggs for your family? The ABC’s of raising a small flock of layers by veteran chicken whisperers Pete and Joan Thompson of Burnt Valley Farm.

A brief but comprehensive review including:

• Selecting a breed
• Successfully brooding chicks
• Shelter types and grazing options
• Feed, grit, and light
• Watering options
• Nesting boxes and litter
• Oh, Poop!
• Egg handling 101
• Predator management
• Cost / Benefit analysis

Useful pictures, links, and descriptions to help you refine your plan and get the most out of your feathered investment. Interactive Q & A session at the end of the presentation to engage discussion!

Vermiculture (worm composting): Taught by Sherry Fox, WSU Stevens County Master Gardener

Learn about worm composting basics. What to compost and how to reduce your garbage output. Worms will be available for purchase at the registration booth. Please bring check or cash.

Snack break- finger foods will be offered (Noon-12:20pm) Perfect chance to browse the silent auction items and bid.

Track Three (12:30-1:20pm)

Weeding with Goats: Taught by Healing Hooves Natural Vegetation Management

Healing Hooves has approximately 250 head of goats. The herd is contained within portable electric fencing and a shepherd stays on site to manage the animals. They offer consulting services in pasture and rangeland management. Learn about weed control on your own property with your own self-propelled weed eaters.

Wicking Pots: Taught by Marla Gutzweiler and WSU Stevens County Master Gardener (limit 20)

Are you notorious for forgetting to water your plants? Learn easy to apply methods to build pots that wick water upwards from a water reservoir. There are also options out there for large planters. Build a small wicking pot in class that works great if you have to leave on vacation or just never remember to water.

Replacing Lawns: Taught by Guest Speaker Debra Kroon, a WSU Master Gardener

Attendees will hear some reasons to think about replacing at least a portion of lawns with habitat for pollinators. Examples and ideas will be given and questions will be answered. Instructor has spent the last 25 years converting their gardens to a pollinator friendly habitat.

Vermiculture (worm composting): Taught by Sherry Fox, WSU Stevens County Master Gardener(limit 20)

Learn about worm composting basics. What to compost and how to reduce your garbage output. This class will be similar to the morning class, but in this class you will build a small portable worm bin. It will be an excellent starter bin if you have been wondering if vermiculture is for you. Worms will be available for purchase at the registration booth. Please bring check or cash.

Track Four (1:30-2:20pm)
Know your enemies – ornamental weed identification: Taught by WSU Stevens County Master Gardeners

Learn how to identify the primary weeds of Stevens County. Learn what makes a weed a weed and learn about popular plants that are actually weeds. Learn Integrated Pest Management options for weeds.

Home Grain Milling: Taught by Bread Simple

Learn the basics of milling your own flour at home and the options for locally sourced grain. Bread Simple is a local bakery that has bread options available through Meyers Falls.

Songbirds from the Ground Up: David Kreft, founder of the Northeast Washington Birders

An overview of how birds interact with people and our landscape alterations, including ways that to make property friendly to a wide variety of birds. Discussion of habitat needs of birds and how to mimic or re-create those habit elements. The class will also spend a good deal of time on basic bird identification and how to track the avian visitors we see at all times of the year. We will touch on the vast array of online birding resources available to everyone and how folks can become active in the local birding community.

Soils 101: Alex Case-Cohen, Stevens County Conservation District

Soil can be a very confusing topic. Learn how to identify your soil type and soil needs. Learn about your soil beyond a basic soil test.

Ending Plenary: Master Gardener Round table (2:30pm)
Get all your basic gardening questions answered at this energetic round table made up of local and veteran Master Gardeners. The plenary will start with the drawing for door prizes. Must be present to win.

Registration options:

There are three options to register.

1. You can register on-line and pay at  https://wsumg.bpt.me/.
2. Or download a registration From the Ground Up Brochure and mail it to the extension office (986 S. Main, Suite D Colville, WA 99114)
3. Or register below and drop off the registration fee or mail it to the extension office (986 S. Main, Suite D Colville, WA  99114)