Large crop of Valley gardeners swap seeds

With high temperatures in the 60s earlier this week, gardeners could be forgiven from suffering a little spring fever.

On Monday, Minden weather watcher Stan Kapler reported a record 69-degree high temperature. On Tuesday the 65-degree temperature was sufficient to set a second record in a row.

After what was forecast to be another warm day on Tuesday, winter might return for Groundhog Day with high temperatures dropping back into the 40s and a chance of snow, cooling off some of that arboreal ardor.

On Saturday, 161 people turned out for the annual Seed Swap at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center, according to organizer Jessica Gardner.

“It was great to see so many familiar faces from previous seed swaps,” Gardner said.  “I would like to thank the community for their continues support to the Master Gardener program and hope to see them at the many events UNR Extension Douglas County is putting on in 2024.”

As part of the event, Extension gave out more than 250 research-based fact sheets on horticulture and 100-plus seed bombs to help improve pollinator habitat in Douglas County, Gardner said.

In addition to Gardnerville, Extension’s Master Gardeners offered seed swaps in Reno and Sparks.

“Everybody is getting their seed catalogues right now, and this is a great time to get rid of old seeds you’re not going to plant again and come and share seeds and meet new friends,” she said.

Heritage Park Gardens in Gardnerville will be getting plant beds ready for rental on March 1.

Gardner plans to resume her weekly Wednesday gardening talks the last week of May at the gardens, located next to Heritage Park in Gardnerville.

On Feb. 13, Extension kicks off its “Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series” weekly workshops in Reno to help both new and experienced gardeners hone their gardening skills.

Led by Extension and certified Master Gardeners and offered in partnership with Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, these classes are free and run 6-8 p.m., every Tuesday, between Feb. 13 – March 26, at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road in Reno.