Winter may be in full swing, local gardening experts note, but those seeking happy, healthy fruit trees and shrubs, it’s now is the time to think about mitigating pests and plant diseases.
One way to help keep them fit is by using horticultural oils: petroleum and plant-based alternatives to conventional pesticides. Join Clallam County Master Gardener Bob Cain for the Green Thumb Education Series presentation “Horticultural Oils” on Thursday, Jan. 25, to find out how they can help keep pests at bay.
Cain offers his presentation from noon-1 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 510 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles. Or, join via Zoom (get the link at extension.wsu.edu/clallam; meeting ID 936 2989 8830, passcode 676224), or join by phone by calling 253-215-8782.
Cain will discuss where horticultural oils come from, who manufactures them and their application for a wide variety of garden problems including non-insect issues.
“While most people with orchards will know these oils are used to treat insect issues, they also have application in the treatment for fungal diseases,” Cain said.
He will also talk about how these oils may be used for organic gardening.
“Many people may regard these oils as intrusive to organic gardening methods, but many are recommended for organic use by certifying organizations including Washington State University,” Cain said. “There are also horticultural oils and other oils which can be substituted for those derived from petroleum and we will show examples of these alternatives.”
Cain earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in biology and chemistry and has a Ph.D. in chemistry.
He has 40 years of experience growing vegetables in Scotland, Ireland, Colorado and Washington state. Bob has been a veteran of the Clallam County Master Gardeners since 2009.
He has written monthly articles on plant disease for the Clallam County Master Gardener Newsletter and is a frequent contributor to gardening columns in the local newspaper.
Cain was named 2009 Master Gardener Intern of the Year and 2011 Master Gardener of the Year. He served as the Garden Manager of the Woodcock Demonstration Garden in Sequim for seven years and is a past president and board member of the Master Gardener Foundation of Clallam County.
Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series is offered on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one program is offered).
Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2679.
