MU Extension fruit care workshop series begins March 1

COLUMBIA, Mo.– The University of Missouri Extension Center in Boone County is hosting a series of workshops on raising and caring for fruit. The two-hour workshops will be held March 1, March 15 and April 5 in Columbia. The fee is $25 per class. Participants can attend one, two or all three.

“If you take all three classes you will receive a complimentary copy of the Midwest Home Fruit Manual,” said Beth Carter of the Boone County extension center.

Jim Quinn, MU Extension horticulture specialist, will teach the classes.

Workshop dates and topics:

-March 1: Fruit tree pruning.

-March 15: Berry and organic fruit gardening.

-April 5: Disease and insect pest control in fruit planting.

All classes begin at 4 p.m. at 719 West Broadway in Columbia.

“On March 1, fully developed apple, plum and pear trees will be featured, with half fully pruned and the other side not pruned,” Carter said. “There will be at least one new tree planted, and bring hand pruners to try pruning yourself. Make sure to dress accordingly.”

Carter says the March 15 workshop will cover pruning raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and grapes. Strawberries, figs and gooseberries will also be discussed.

The April 5 workshop will feature demonstrations of several sprayer models and discussion of fungicide and bactericide products, with emphasis on their varying effectiveness on different diseases, Carter said.

Classes are limited to 25 participants. Preregistration with payment is required. A flier for the event is available at www.extension.missouri.edu/boone (scroll down the page for the link).

For more information, contact Frankie Anderson at [email protected] or Beth Carter at [email protected], or call the Boone County extension center at 573-445-9792.