Hickory – Join Dr. George Place, Catawba County Cooperative Extension Director, on Thursday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. for a presentation about garden and landscape diseases and disorders. Learn how to tell the difference between viral infection, nutrient deficiency, or sun scald damage. We will talk about practices that you can use to avoid pest problems and minimize the need for pesticide applications. This presentation is part of our Advanced Gardener series designed to help both beginner and advanced gardeners enjoy all of the health, enjoyment, and learning that comes from managing the home landscape and growing some of your own produce.

All presentations in the series are free and open to the public. People can attend the programs of interest or pursue certification by attending all presentations. This year’s curriculum offers two different certification programs. Advanced Gardener certification is available to participants that attend 9 of the 11 presentations and complete 20 hours of service/learning activities in 2019. There is no cost for Advanced Gardener certification. Master Gardener certification requirements include attending all 11 presentations, completing 10 hours of extension workshop education, completing on-line quizzes and exams, completing a weed collection project, completing a home landscape project, completing a 1000 square-foot garden design project, and completing 40 hours of community service in gardening activities. The cost for Master Gardener certification is $100.

The Garden Diseases and Disorders Presentation at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on June 13th at 6:00 p.m. is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828-304-0500 ext. 7235. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block.