Environmental Horticulture

Environmental Horticulture/Environmental Science, including Master Gardener

John Karlik
661-868-6220
jfkarlik@ucdavis.edu

The goal of environmental horticulture is to preserve and enhance the environment through planting and proper cultural practices for green plants, including shade trees, shrubs, and turfgrass. Environmental science includes preservation and enhancement of environmental quality of soil, water and air. Kern County is a leader in the U.S. in production of rose plants for landscapes and home grounds.

Examples of Research and Teaching Projects:

Cooperative Extension provides information on turfgrass, plant selection, cultural practices, arborculture, landscape maintenance, and pest management. Many of our publications are provided upon request without charge and cover subjects pertaining to ornamental horticulture. We also prepare publications concerning specific local problems.

A number of research projects have been conducted pertaining to green plants and air quality, including measurement of plant VOC emisison rates, leaf mass quantification, and evaluation of database for plant species description. This works also informs shade tree selection for mass planting programs to enhance air quality.

Master Gardener Program

Kern County does not offer the Master Gardener program at this time. If you would like more information about the Master Gardener program in California, please refer to the website http://camastergardeners.ucdavis.edu/

However, we do offer a series of 16-week classes to help Kern residents establish and maintain landscapes, gardens, and orchards. These classes discuss plant and soil science, turfgrass selection and management, selection and care for fruit trees, tree and shrub selection and care, irrigation system installation and maintenance, plus other topics. We emphasize reduced pesticide use through accurate pest ID and utilization of integrated pest management methods, and water conservation through irrigation system improvements and management. We welcome individuals who have little horticulture experience, as well as those who work in some aspect of horticulture. We usually offer classes in the autumn but not in spring. Please contact us for information about current-year offerings, 661-868-6200 or jfkarlik@ucdavis.edu

NEW! Horticulture for Landscapes, Orchards, and Gardens Classes for Fall 2012

FALL 2012 Horticulture Classes Announcement

HOW TO START YOUR OWN VEGETABLE GARDEN:
Power Point Presentation from October 18, 2011 Master Gardener I Class
By Joe Nunez

Master Gardener 2011 PPT