Gardeners can learn a lot at Harvest Day

Harvest Day is all about garden education (while having fun). That’s why the Sacramento County master gardeners started this event in 1998 – to help people become better, more informed gardeners.

Set for Saturday, Aug. 3, Harvest Day 2024 offers a wealth of garden knowledge, shared by these local experts. And best of all – it’s free!

No advance registration is necessary. Just show up at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Fair Oaks Park between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to take advantage of this event, Sacramento’s largest free garden gathering of its kind.

How big? An estimated 3,000 patrons showed up for Harvest Day 2013. Depending on the weather (how hot and how soon), this Saturday’s turnout likely will top 2,000.

In addition to featured speakers, vendors and educational tables, Harvest Day offers several “mini-talks” by master gardeners. These 30-minute presentations are held in the demonstration gardens to provide real-life examples and hands-on experiences. As always, the master gardeners are available to answer questions, too.

The hardest part? Deciding which mini-talks to attend. Fortunately, the presentations are split between only two locations, but each one has competition from another wonderful talk (in addition to the three featured speakers – Kevin Marini, Ed Laivo and Greg Gayton – at the main Speakers Tent. https://sacdigsgardening.californialocal.com/article/190071-harvest-day-2024/)

Here’s the full schedule of mini-talks (with locations):

8:45 a.m. – Tips for Successful Grape Growing.
Presented next to the Kiwi/Grape Arbor

8:45 a.m. – Beyond Basil: Kitchen Herbs
Meet at the Lower Arbor

9:30 a.m. – Why and How to Press Plants
Kiwi/Grape Arbor

9:30 a.m. – Cane Berry Pruning
Lower Arbor

10:15 a.m. – Wonderful World of Succulents
Kiwi/Grape Arbor

10:15 a.m. – Controlling Codling Moths
Lower Arbor

11 a.m. – Grapevine Propagation
Kiwi/Grape Arbor

11 a.m. – Espalier Trees
Lower Arbor

Noon – Composting with Worms
Kiwi/Grape Arbor

Noon – Amending Soil pH for Blueberries
Lower Arbor

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is located at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, in Fair Oak Park, just south of Madison Avenue.

For more on Harvest Day: https://sacmg.ucanr.edu/Harvest_Day/.