If you are interested in developing a general appreciation of wines or focusing on a study of the varieties in France, Australia and California, the Master Gardeners Orchard has a set of classes for you.
A general wine appreciation seminar is to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 25 at our facility on Windmill and the Las Vegas Beltway. The seminar will include how and where wine grapes are grown, how wine is made and how to taste wines, which will help you gain a deeper appreciation for this ancient process. There will be a fee to cover the costs of wines and reference notes.
The second is a five-week series of classes covering the wines produced in France, California and Australia, starting on Thursday and running through Aug. 30. A basic understanding of wine is required for this class. For more information on these classes, e-mail me at morrisr@unce.unr.edu or call 257-5509.
Question: We have a beautiful, full grown Agave in the backyard. It gives off these smaller side shoots that pop up from the ground surrounding the plant. I am wondering what is the best way to cut them out and transplant them in another area of the yard. Do you water them in? Is there a plant food they should get to help them develop? Special soil? Any help I can get on this is appreciated.
Answer: It is pretty easy. Wait until about mid-September to about mid-October and cut off the pups or offshoots from the mother plant. Remove them from the ground and leave them in the shade and out of the wind outside for a few days so the wound begins healing. This will not hurt them.
Replant them where you want them in some amended soil, along with some starter fertilizer high in phosphorus. Water about weekly so they begin to root. They will start to root nearly right away. Water less often and more deeply to encourage deeper rooting. These are desert plants, so be careful not to water them too much after they have rooted.
Q: I purchased a basil plant in a container. Should I keep this indoors, outdoors, sunlight, shade, water or dry? I would like to continue to grow and eat from it.
A: The only way you could grow it inside is under bright lights, not in a window or under ceiling lights. The container should be fairly large so it doesn't overheat if it is to be grown outside. Try to keep the container as cool as possible. Planting in the ground in a double pot is one way you can do this.
The soil should be a good quality houseplant soil and modified so it drains well. Basil likes sun, but likes some protection from later afternoon sun and wind. Morning sun with filtered light in the afternoon would be best.
It needs to be trimmed frequently when it gets larger. If you are not using it, you still will need to trim it and remove flower heads. Keep containers moist, but not wet, and do not let them dry out.
I would use organic fertilizers, if you can, such as fish emulsions, kelp and compost tea. Bottom line -- try to grow it outside in a protected area of the yard, and keep it moist and well fed.
Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
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