The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County announced on Mar. 9 that their Spring 2026 workshop series is underway, offering a range of free gardening workshops and talks through early June. The series includes eleven topics designed for both new and experienced gardeners, with sessions held at various locations in Chico and Durham.
The workshops aim to provide practical knowledge on fire safety, irrigation, plant propagation, pest management, fruit tree care, and creating habitats for beneficial wildlife. Organizers say the program addresses key concerns for local gardeners such as defensible space for wildfire protection and sustainable gardening practices.
Among the offerings are new sessions like Firewise Land Stewardship, which focuses on fire behavior and state guidelines for defensible space around homes. Other returning workshops cover irrigation systems, weed identification and control, fruit tree grafting techniques, year-round fruit tree care, and managing pests like gophers and moles. Dr. Shahroukh Mistry from Butte College will return to lead a session about bats’ role in pollination.
Workshops will be held at the Patrick Ranch Demonstration Garden or Pat’s Barn (10381 Midway), with some events at The Social (1400 W. 3rd Street) and Chapman Park Teaching Garden at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center (775 E. 16th Street). Seasonal Garden Talks are scheduled quarterly; the next is set for April 11 with sessions on summer vegetable planting, cutting gardens with zinnias, and tomato cultivation.
All workshops require advance registration but are free to attend. More information about schedules and registration can be found on the UC Master Gardener website.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources enhances lives statewide by sharing science-based practices according to the official website. The organization maintains nine Research and Extension Centers across diverse ecosystems according to the official website and operates offices in all 58 California counties according to the official website. It is affiliated with the University of California according to the official website.
Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources according to the official website. The organization applies University of California expertise through research and outreach initiatives supporting communities across California according to the official website. For more than a century it has provided resources in nutrition, food networks, youth education, farming innovation, environmental conservation, wildfire protection, research facilities maintenance, and local office support throughout every county in California according to the official website.