‘Plant’ ahead for CSU Extension gardening webinars
Media contact: Jennifer Dimas
(970) 988-4265
[email protected]
With spring around the corner, you might be itching to plant and prune. Colorado State University Extension offers free monthly webinars to help cultivate your green thumb.
Held at noon on the second Wednesday each month, the 2025 horticulture webinars each cover a different topic – from vegetables and soil to insects and native plants. Trees and lawns get some love too.
Registration is required, and all webinars are recorded and posted afterward on the PlantTalk website.
CSU experts will share pro tips in these upcoming talks:
Feb. 12
“Let’s try something different: Unique choices for the vegetable garden”
Speaker: Cassey Anderson, Adams County Extension
An informative discussion on some of the lesser-known (and lesser-grown) vegetables for Colorado gardens. Tips on growing and varieties will be shared.
March 12
“From the ground up”
Speaker: Karim Gharbi, Denver County Extension
Gharbi will talk about fascinating organisms that live in the various layers of a landscape – starting with soils and ending with the top of the plant canopy.
April 9
“Plant judo: Putting your energy to good garden use”
Speaker: John Murgel, Douglas County Extension
“Because I said so” and “trust me” are not the most compelling reasons to change your gardening habits. Murgel delves into the evidence behind CSU garden recommendations.
May 14
“Top trees for Colorado”
Speaker: Eric Hammond, Boulder County Extension
Hammond will discuss some of the top-performing trees in Colorado. A selection of tree types, sizes and attributes will be included in this webinar.
June 11
“Native plants: Potting media, soil and tips for transplanting success”
Speaker: Allisa Zurbuchen, El Paso County Extension
Native plants can be a lower-maintenance, lower-water option for your landscape but only if they establish successfully. Zurbuchen’s doctoral research focuses on nursery container production of native plants, for a deep dive into what’s going on beneath the soil line and how to optimize transplanting success of your favorite native plants.
July 9
“Managing lawns in a warming climate”
Speaker: Tony Koski, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
As summers get hotter, home lawn care will change with regard to weed management, irrigation and cultural practices. Koski will discuss best management practices to ensure that your lawn withstands the heat – and cold – that Colorado experiences.
Aug. 13
“Best of demonstration garden plants from the Western Slope”
Speaker: Mollie Freilicher, Tri-River Area Extension
The CSU Extension office in Grand Junction has supported a thriving demonstration garden for many years. Freilicher discusses some of the challenging conditions gardeners in western Colorado face as well as top performers from the garden and beyond.
Sept. 10
“The art of insect survival: Masters of disguise and flashy warnings”
Speaker: CSU Extension Entomologist Mel Schreiner, Tri-River Area Extension
Join Schreiner for a fun journey into insect camouflage and aposematism (warning coloration). Explore how bugs blend in with surroundings, from mimicking leaves to masquerading as twigs. Discover their clever tricks and how humans draw inspiration, creating camouflage clothing and more.
Oct. 8
“Space invaders: Garden variety monsters”
Speaker: Alison O’Connor, Larimer County Extension
We’ve likely made the mistake of planting garden “thugs” – the plants that take over your landscapes. O’Connor identifies a few of these plants and alternatives that are better behaved.
Nov. 12
“Basics of tree pruning: Keeping your urban trees healthy!”
Speaker: Rachel Durkan, Jefferson County Extension
Durkan will go over the basics of urban tree pruning. Starting from the nursery, this session will cover what is a good tree structure and how to keep your urban canopy happy.
Dec. 10
“Mindfulness in Nature: A garden and nature-based pilot project”
Speaker: Jennifer Cook, Gilpin County Extension
Cook will teach mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and create a sense of peace in nature and in the garden. She will describe the Mindfulness in Nature pilot workshop held in Gilpin County and discuss how you can host a similar activity with friends, youth or the public.
You can find January’s webinar here
“Best of 2024 perennials and annuals from the CSU Trial Gardens”
Speaker: Chad Miller, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Miller gives an update on the best performing annuals and perennials from the 2024 CSU flower trials.