Sussex County Master Gardeners workshops start Feb. 21

The Sussex County Master Gardeners’ upcoming winter workshops will be held via Zoom. Spring classes will be held both via Zoom and in person at the Carvel Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown. The classes are free. Preregistration is required at udel.edu/0010188.

An email to participants will be sent out with a Zoom link/phone number and handouts 24 hours prior to the scheduled workshop.

Renovating Your Garden is set for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, via Zoom. Master Gardeners Ana Dittel and Linda Peters will be presenting. “Your garden, just like your home, sometimes needs a makeover. The change can be as minor as replacing a shrub or as major as pulling everything up and starting from scratch,” said Dittel. No matter the size of the space or the scope of the project, the Master Gardeners can offer tips on how to proceed.

Master Gardeners will present a talk on the Master Gardeners Program at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, via Zoom. They will discuss its training program, volunteer opportunities and the application process. 

Lawn Care Best Practices is set for 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, in person and online. Master Gardener Judy Pfister will discuss best practices suitable for the local transition-zone weather, including soil testing, grass types, turf grass seed selection, mowing height, watering and fertilization. Soil test kits will be available. There is a charge of $17 for the test when the sample is submitted.  

Victory Gardens will be the topic at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, in person and via Zoom. Victory gardens were vegetable gardens planted during the world wars to ensure an adequate food supply for civilians and troops. Master Gardener Bunnie Williams will discuss their history and relevance today.  

Hydrangeas for Delaware is set for 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, in person and online. Master Gardener and UD Communications Specialist Michele Walfred will discuss which of her 102 hydrangeas have performed well in her home landscape and share the lessons she learned from those that did not perform as expected. Hydrangeas love water, but what else do they need? Participants will explore which native varieties are gaining popularity, and examine the sun, shade and pruning requirements of the many hydrangeas available so they can successfully grow the perfect hydrangea in a landscape or container.

Garden Smart/Garden Easy will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 25, in person and via Zoom. Master Gardener Susan Trone will explain what tools and techniques are available for gardeners as they age or develop mobility issues, so gardening can continue to be enjoyable.

To register, go to  udel.edu/0010188. For more information, contact Kaleb Scott at kjscott@udel.edu or 302-856-7303. For answers on lawn and gardening issues, call 302 856-2585, Ext. 535 or go to udel.edu/extension/ask.

Master Gardeners are working volunteers supported by Delaware Cooperative Extension through the University of Delaware and Delaware State University Extension offices. Any attendees who have special needs to be accommodated should notify the office two weeks prior to the event.