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Spring 2026 Workshops

May

Gophers, Moles, and Voles 

Friday May 1, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, 25 people

There is nothing peskier than vertebrate pests in your garden. Join us to gain some knowledge about how to deal with these monsters that plague your yard. We will also have a Master Gardener available to show you exactly how to set gopher traps.

Register for Gophers, Moles, and Voles
 

Irrigation 

Saturday, May 2, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, 25 people

Drip irrigation is arguably the most efficient method of providing water to trees, crops, gardens, and landscapes. The surface drip irrigation system emitter was first developed in Israel, where the dry climate makes water conservation a necessity. This workshop will provide an overview of different options available for drip irrigation systems and how to install them. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and inspect your system, and how to make repairs when needed.

Register for Irrigation
 

Weed ID 

Wednesday, May 6, 12–1:30pm
Demonstration Garden, 25 people

This workshop explores the nature of weeds, and why it’s important to correctly identify which weeds you are battling. We’ll offer tools to help with this, including a hands-on practicum. Primary strategies for weed control are Integrated Pest Management methods; we’ll have a quick primer on chemical controls for when they are needed as a last resort.

Register for Weed ID 
 

Propagation 

Thursday, May 7, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, 25 people

Learn the best time to propagate woody perennials and divide plants; how to select and make cuttings; the proper techniques for dividing plants; the best planting mediums to use; and how to plant cuttings and divided plants. Materials and techniques will be discussed and handouts will be provided.

Register for Propagation
 

Plant a Native Garden for the Birds 

Monday, May 18, 10–11:30am
Pat’s Barn, 30 people

Don’t just plant a native plant garden, create a habitat that supports birds throughout the year. In this workshop we will discuss the bird species you can expect to attract year-round; the best plants for them; and how to arrange different types and sizes of plants in order to provide food, shelter, protection, and nesting sites. Ideally, a bird-friendly garden will be attractive to humans too. This presentation provides plenty of photos of the birds and plants, and will introduce you to a great plant selection tool. We will mention plant suppliers and native plant gardens worth a tour in the Chico area. We’ll also show examples of garden layouts pleasing to both birds and humans.

Register for Native Garden for the Birds
 

Bats 

Friday, May 22, 10am-noon
Pat’s Barn, 30 people

Bats! Learn everything you always wanted to know about these fascinating creatures from Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, an expert on bat biology. Dr. Mistry teaches in the biology department at Butte College, and his current research is on Acoustic Monitoring of Bat Diversity and Activity in Northern California, and Prehistoric Distribution of Extinct Vampire Bat Species. His great specialty, however, is making science, especially bat science, accessible, enjoyable, and fun.

Register for Bats

June
 

Seasonal Garden Series—Summer

In partnership with CARD, The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are offering a morning of summer seasonal garden talks. Participants will be able to pick the talks they wish to attend. Saturday, June 6, 8:45–10:30am
Chapman Park Teaching Garden, 15 people per topic

Session One,  8:45–9:30am, Pick one from the two topics listed below.

Planting Vegetables for a Summer Garden
Want some fresh vegetables from your garden this summer? We will be talking about warm season seeds and transplants that will provide a plentiful harvest for summer and fall harvest.
OR
Support Your Plants!
Whether you are growing vegetables or flowers, sooner or later you will need to provide support for your plants. Come learn about the various ways you can make garden supports easy and attractive using materials readily available.

Session Two, 9:45–10:30am, Pick one from the two topics listed below.

Plant a Cutting Garden with Warm Season Annuals  
Let’s plant a cutting-garden with warm season annuals, starting with zinnias! We’ll discuss bed preparation, zinnia seed varieties, direct seeding and transplanting, problems and harvesting. Come prepared to do some planting!
OR
Tomatoes!!

Come learn everything you need to know to grow tomatoes, including varieties, starting, and staking. You will get a chance to plant your own seeds for your backyard garden!

Register for Summer Talks

About the Workshops

Registration

• Workshops are free—registration is required for all workshops.
• Participation is limited. Limit is indicated for each workshop.
• Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
• Heavy rain cancels outdoor workshops (unless noted); canceled workshops will be rescheduled.

Workshop Locations

• Bradley 2 at The Social 1400 W. 3rd St., Chico
• Chapman Park Teaching Garden at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center, 775 E 16th Street, Chico
• Demonstration Garden: Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham
• Pat’s Barn, Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham
• Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, Paradise

Questions? Need to cancel? Want to get on a Workshop Waiting List?

Please email us at anrmgbutte@ucanr.edu. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to contact you.
 

Give a Gift to the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County

Gifts help support our workshops, the Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch, and Master Gardener community outreach projects in Butte County. Thank you! Your support is greatly appreciated!