April 4, 2006 6:30-8:00 PM **

Seed Starting Workshop

Seed catalogues are here and seeds are appearing in the stores for sale, now what?  Join Advanced Master Gardeners Dick and Phyllis Downing and learn from the many years of personal experience they have had starting seeds in their own greenhouse. You will learn how easy and addicting seed starting can be. They will be discussing and demonstrating the types of seeds, planting mediums, light requirements, covers/labels, seed preparation, sowing methods, transplanting, hardening off and much more.  You will be planting a few seeds to take home and many hints and suggestions for the new garden. The location is at the St. Josephs School, 935 W. Houghton, West Branch.  This is a free activity with 1.5 educational credits.  Light refreshments will be available.

Pre-registration is required, at elier@msu.edu  or 989-345-0692 by March 30, 2006.

 May13, 2006 9:00AM – Noon  **

Fruit Tree Program

Steve Fouch and his wife Lisa from Benzie County will be with us to demonstrate the proper pruning prior to planting fruit trees with demonstrations on proper planting of new trees and the care and pruning of other fruit trees.  They will be having other apple and fruit trees for sale on this day also.  Part of the program will be a free apple tree for you to take home and plant. This activity will be open to the public.  Cost is $30 and if paid Alumni Member the cost will be $25. Pre-registration required by May 5^th.  3 hours of educational credit apply.  Pass this information along to others who may be interested.  Location to be determined later but it will be likely a short distance around the West Branch area.

AGENDA FOR EACH SESSION: (2.5 HOURS) 

• SELECTING FRUIT TREES/TYPES AND VARIETIES FOR EACH  LOCATION

• SITE PREP

• PLANTING TIPS

• POST-PLANTING CARE

• TRAINING AND PRUNING TREES

• INSECT/DISEASE CONTROL (TRADITIONAL AND ORGANIC

• PROTECTING FROM DEER

• PROPER HARVEST AND HANDLING

• QUESTIONS

NOTE THAT EACH PERSON WILL RECEIVE A FREE APPLE TREE ON SEMI-DWARF ROOTSTOCK AT THE END OF EACH SESSION.

COST: MOST OF THE PAST WORKSHOPS HAVE CHARGED A FEE OF $25.00 - $30.00 PER PERSON.  OUT OF THAT MY FEE IS $20.00 PER PERSON, INCLUDING THE COST OF THE TREE.

IT IS THE HOST PERSON’S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND A LOCATION FOR THE WORKSHOP.  IDEALLY, THE LOCATION SHOULD BE AT A PLACE THAT HAS EXISTING APPLE/FRUIT TREES AND HAS A BUILDING FOR COVER IN CASE OF RAIN.

I WILL BRING THE HANDOUTS, TREES, AND OTHER MISC ITEMS.