Attention, gardeners and growers. Whether you love to grow produce, flowers, or trees, you know that planning is half of the battle when it comes to a successful season.  As the weather cools and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about next year. The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, USDA-NRCS, and Nebraska Extension are joining forces to present a fall garden workshop on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the York County Fairgrounds. This event is free to attend. Registration for planning purposes is requested but not required. 

The workshop will include time to visit booths, speak with presenters, and enjoy refreshments from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Presentations will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. From 11:30-noon, there will be time for Q&A with both presenters, gathering materials, and viewing demonstrations at presenter booths. 

This event will feature Extension Educator Sarah Browning, who has presented at other gardening workshops in the area recently, including one on vegetable gardening and another on fruit tree care. An educator with Nebraska Extension since 1998, Browning’s programming has focused on environmental horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, and food safety. Working with the general public and commercial green industry professionals, her major program goals include conserving water, protecting water quality, promoting local food production, and protecting human health.

At the fall garden workshop, Browning will present a Solution Gardening session that focuses on "right plant, right place." Which plants are best for shade/sun? How about sandy or wet soil? What if you have a wildlife problem? If something didn’t work as planned this past growing season, Browning may be able to shed light on why and help you create a new game plan for next year.

The fall garden workshop will also be a time to learn about opportunities for small-scale and urban agriculture producers with Brach Johnson, USDA Nebraska State Urban and Small-Scale Agriculture Conservationist. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has technical and financial resources for urban dwellers to enhance their production system and protect our natural resources. Urban agriculture includes the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas. Community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic facilities, and vertical production, are all examples of urban agriculture. Tribal communities and small towns may also be included. 

A representative from the Nebraska Forest Service will also be on hand to answer your tree care questions. Ordering for the NRD’s Conservation Tree Program will kick off in November, so it will be a great time to determine which species will work best for your needs and space.