LONGVIEW — On Tuesdays at noon WSU Master Gardeners present weekly free online programs. In addition, for those able to travel to Longview, there are occasional in-depth in-person classes. The following classes are online unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, Jan. 16, noon: Caring for Fruit Trees — Wondering how to get your fruit trees ready for a vibrant spring and summer? Join us as WSU Master Gardener Alice Slusher will discuss effective strategies for managing issues like codling moth, apple maggots, peach leaf curl, apple and pear scab, and more. She will delve into organic solutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fruit tree care and you’ll receive a management calendar. If you’re a fruit tree enthusiast in southwest Washington, this event is a must-see!

Tuesday, Jan. 23, noon: Fruit Tree Pruning — Interested in learning about the art of fruit tree pruning? Join us as WSU Extension Director Gary Fredricks provides guidance on the dos and don’ts of pruning fruit trees!

Tuesday, Jan. 30, noon: Planning your Seed Starting Schedule — Do you know when the best times are to begin germinating various types of seeds, whether for flowers or vegetables? WSU Master Gardeners Sara Clark and Heidi Hubler will provide valuable insights into planting and sowing techniques to ensure you make the most of your gardening efforts by timing your planting for success. They will make sure you are ready for direct outdoor planting or indoor transplantation when the time is right.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.: Fruit Tree Care & Pruning (in-person) — Wondering how to get your fruit trees ready for a vibrant spring and summer? Join us as WSU Master Gardener Alice Slusher will discuss effective strategies for managing issues like codling moth, apple maggots, peach leaf curl, apple and pear scab, and more. She will delve into organic solutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fruit tree care and you’ll receive a management calendar. Following Alice, WSU Extension Director Gary Fredricks will show how to prune your fruit trees — and what not to do! The presentation will be followed by a demonstration of pruning techniques. You may bring your pruners and learn how to sharpen them. Enrollment is limited to 30 people. The cost is $5. All attendees must pre-register and pay online at troubleshooting-and-pruning-fruit-trees.cheddarup.com. Credit cards are preferred, but there will be an option on the online site during checkout to mail or drop off a check at the WSU office. WSU cannot accept checks or cash at the workshop. The workshop is sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.

Tuesday, Feb. 6, noon: Rose Care in the Spring — Spring marks a crucial period for tending to your roses. Cultivating roses in SW Washington presents unique challenges as we contend with both insect pests and fungal diseases. WSU Master Gardener Michele Thomas is here to guide you in fertilizing, pruning, and nurturing your roses, ensuring you’ll enjoy stunning blooms this upcoming summer.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to noon: Raising Mason Bees (in-person) — WSU Master Gardener Billie Bevers will provide insight into the art of nurturing mason bees. These orchard mason bees are excellent pollinators known for their non-aggressive nature and early spring activity. In this informative two-hour session, you’ll gain knowledge about the necessary equipment, seasonal care, bee biology, and effective pest management techniques. The workshop will be held in Longview. You will be given the location after you have registered. Walk-ins cannot be admitted. Enrollment is limited to 40 people. The cost is $5. All attendees must pre-register and pay online at mason-bees-2024.cheddarup.com. Credit cards are preferred, but there will be an option on the online site during checkout to mail or drop off a check at the WSU office. WSU cannot accept checks or cash at the workshop. The workshop is sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.

Tuesday, Feb. 13, noon: Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden — Master Gardener Heidi Hubler will discuss the process of converting your garden and yard into a pollinator paradise. Drawing from her own firsthand experience, she’ll provide insights into her journey of replacing a traditional lawn and reshaping her entire yard into a thriving environment for pollinating insects.

Tuesday, Feb. 20, noon: Grape Care and Pruning — Are grapes part of your garden dreams, or are you already nurturing these vines? Join with WSU Master Gardener Sara Clark for an exciting session where she’ll unravel the secrets of grapevine pruning and nurturing grape starts. Whether you’re a seasoned grape grower or just starting out, you’ll find all the answers you’ve been longing for in this informative session!

Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.: Grape Care and Pruning (in-person) — WSU Master Gardener Sara Clark will provide a comprehensive guide on grapevine pruning and the care of grape starts. Following the presentation, there will be a live demonstration of pruning techniques, and participants are welcome to bring their pruners to learn sharpening skills. If the weather permits, there will be an opportunity for hands-on pruning training. Participants will receive free starts of grape varieties Canadice and Venus. The workshop will be held in Longview. You will be given the location after you have registered. Walk-ins cannot be admitted. Enrollment is limited to 30 people. The cost is $10. All attendees must pre-register and pay online at grape-care-workshop.cheddarup.com. Credit card payment is preferred, but you may pay by check by choosing that option at checkout. If you choose the latter, you may mail or drop off a check at our office, and WSU must receive your payment before the workshop. WSU cannot accept checks or cash at the workshop. The workshop will be held in Longview. You will be given the location after you have registered. Walk-ins will not be admitted. The workshop is sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, noon: Transforming Your Landscape — Creating a beautiful and livable landscape requires careful planning and effort; it doesn’t happen by chance. WSU Master Gardener and licensed landscape architect Wendy Santiago will discuss the process of designing your landscape, considering all the factors that contribute to a thriving and enjoyable outdoor environment. Gain insights on selecting appropriate plants for specific locations, crafting outdoor living areas, and much more to ensure your landscape is both functional and beautiful.

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No need to register for online programs, just pop in. Connection information (sign up for the necessary Zoom account at zoom.us), then join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android at wsu.zoom.us/j/7756056320?pwd=RzVxbTl0dXpyUjJjSDdsWnJuTXdydz09

The meeting ID is 775 605 6320 and the password is 12345.

To participate by phone, call 1-253-215-8782. For help or for more information, call Gary Fredricks at garyf@wsu.edu or 360-577-3014 Ext. 3.