Submitted by WSU San Juan County Extension

There are two upcoming Washington State University Extension workshops in San Juan County.

Cover cropping

Get ahead of spring weeds now with a fall cover crop. Attend a free WSU San Juan County Extension workshop on how to use cover cropping to control weeds and build soil this winter. Chris Benedict, of WSU Extension, will present a hands-on workshop at Morningstar Farm. Topics will include the pros and cons of various types of cover crops, when to plant and terminate and how to work with weed biology to get ahead of next season’s weed problem. The workshop is at from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Morningstar Farm, 244 John Jones Road on Orcas Island.

Orchard care and high-value fruit production

Wondering how to care for the fruit trees you have? Curious about how you could integrate a high-value fruit production system into your farm? WSU San Juan County Extension welcomes Tom Thornton, director of Cloud Mountain Farm Center and a fruit grower with more than 35 years’ experience at a free workshop from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 14 at Warm Valley Farm 7483 Orcas Road. The morning will include hands-on orchard care techniques and the afternoon will offer a discussion on the principles behind developing a high-value fruit production system. Bring specific questions.

For both courses, dress for the weather and bring a lunch. RSVP at angie.freeman@wsu.edu or 360-370-7664.