Benefits of Pruning Perennials

Thu, Apr 3 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

Everyone is familiar with pinching mums to produce fuller, bushier plants that do not flop. Similar techniques can be utilized with many flowering perennials to control height, stagger flowering and delay bloom time. We will discuss benefits and the plants best suited to this technique. Learn the advantages of dead heading and time saving approaches. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend

Native Shrubs for Kentucky Landscapes

Tue, Apr 15 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

There is great interest in native landscapes but little knowledge of the plants suitable for these applications. We will explore native shrubs suitable for landscape use and discuss growing requirements. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.

Tomatoes

Tue, May 6 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

A whole class about everyone’s favorite summer vegetable. We will discuss techniques for growing great tomatoes and how to avoid common pitfalls. There will be an emphasis on disease prevention. We will provide each class member with a tomato plant to grow at home. You must register and attend the class to receive the plant, which will be distributed at the end of class. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.

Growing Sweet Potatoes

Tue, May 13 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

Sweet potatoes rarely make it into the home garden. Understandable, as they take up lots of room, but unfortunate as they are very easily grown and very nutritious. These tasty and versatile vegetables have few pests. Come learn how simple it is. We will provide plants you can grow at home. Cost: $10.00

Managing Lawn Weeds

Tue, Jun 3 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

There are many types of weeds and controlling them begins with an understanding of their life cycle. We will cover annual and winter annual weeds and their management as well as their perennial cousins. Control strategies will include chemical and sustainable (very limited) approaches. We will also discuss some of the benefits a weedy lawn can provide should you prefer a more natural approach. You should leave with the knowledge to gain the upper hand in your weed battles (you still need to provide the effort and motivation). Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.

Favorite Native Plants for Pollinators

Tue, Jun 17 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

In this session we will discuss some of the better native flower choices for gardens. Planting natives for pollinators is quite popular and a great step toward protecting these valuable resources. Every great pollinator plant is not necessarily a well-behaved landscape choice. We will steer you to some pollinator favorites that also are great for gardeners. Take home a nice plant for your pollinator garden. Cost: $15.00

Growing Perennials from Seed

Tue, Jul 8 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

Many lovely perennials are easily grown from seed. This can be an economical way to obtain new plants. We will discuss several options for starting these seeds including direct seeding. Participants will receive a packet of an easily grown variety to try at home. Must attend the class to receive the seed packet, which will be distributed at the end of class. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.

Best Crops for the Fall Vegetable Garden

Tue, Jul 22 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

Kentucky gardeners have three distinct growing seasons for vegetables. We can repeat many of the spring crops and often with much better results with cooler temperatures. You can also extend harvest into late fall and early winter. If you have struggled to grow broccoli, cauliflower or other cool-season varieties you will be amazed with your fall crops. We will provide seeds for you to plant at home. Must attend the class to receive the seed packet, which will be distributed at the end of class. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.

Low Maintenance Lawn Care

Tue, Aug 5 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

Homeowners are looking for more sustainable approaches to traditional lawn care. We will cover the basics of caring for a lawn with an emphasis on lower input and sustainable methods. Learn why late summer is the best time to seed and why common fertilization practices are often not the best approach. We will also discuss alternatives to grass monocultures. This is always popular so sign up early. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.

Dividing Perennials

Thu, Aug 14 2025, 6 - 7pm Fayette County Extension Office

In this class we will cover the basics of dividing perennials. You will learn when to divide what, the best tools for the job, and some tips to make things go smoothly. Division breathes new life into old perennial clumps and will often increase bloom and flower size in subsequent years. Cost: Free - Advance registration required to attend.