CSU Extension Gardening Webinars
Below are free online classes available from CSU Extension. Advanced registration is required.
Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination. If you have a need for which you seek an accommodation, please notify the listed presenter and allow at least 14 days to provide the accommodations.
2025 WEBINARS
JANUARY
CSU Best Of Annuals and Perennials from 2024
Dr. Chad Miller, from the CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, gives an update on the best performing annuals and perennials from the 2024 Colorado State University flower trials.
FEBRUARY
Let’s Try Something Different: Unique Choices for the Vegetable Garden
Join Cassey Anderson from CSU Extension for an informative and interesting discussion on some of the lesser-known (and lesser-grown) vegetables for Colorado gardens.
MARCH
From the Ground Up
Karim Gharbi from CSU Extension talks about fascinating organisms that live in the various layers of a landscape – starting with soils and ending with the top of the plant canopy.
Additional Resources – Springtail acrobatics, Springtail hunting beetle, Antlions, Wasp larvae scraping jaws, Fecal Shields (5:12-6:25), Treehoppers, Larger playlist of videos
Exploring Controlled Environment Production for Home Gardeners
Join us for an exciting and informative webinar where we explore the world of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)—a growing approach to sustainable farming. From simple Dixie cups to sophisticated vertical farms, we’ll cover the full spectrum of CEA systems! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, this webinar will provide valuable insights into starting and optimizing your own CEA system.
APRIL
Plant Judo: Putting Your Energy to Good Garden Use
“Because I said so” and “trust me” are not the most compelling reasons to change your gardening habits. Join John Murgel from CSU Extension as he delves into the evidence behind CSU garden recommendations.
Controlled Environment Production: Growing Undercover
Join Tammy Brenner, Drew Walters and Chris Hilgert and learn strategies to extend the growing season using high tunnels, low tunnels, row covers, and hobby greenhouses.
MAY
Top Trees for Colorado
Eric Hammond from CSU Extension discusses some of the top-performing trees in Colorado. A selection of tree types, sizes, and attributes will be included in this webinar.
June
Native Plants: Potting Media, Soil, and Tips for Transplanting Success
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 12:00pm MT
Allisa Zurbuchen, from CSU Extension, who’s doctoral research focuses on nursery container production of native plants, digs into what’s going on beneath the soil line and how to optimize transplanting success of your favorite native plants. Native plants can be a lower-maintenance, lower-water option for your landscape but only if they establish successfully.
July
Managing Lawns in a Warming Climate
As summers get hotter, home lawn care will change with regards to weed management, irrigation, and cultural practices. Dr. Tony Koski from CSU Extension and Dr. Roch Gaussion, retired turf Specialist from University of Nebraska, discuss best management practices to ensure that your lawn withstands the heat…and cold…that Colorado experiences.
August
Best of Demonstration Garden Plants from the Western Slope
The CSU Extension Office in Grand Junction has supported a thriving demonstration garden for many years. Join Mollie Freilicher as she discusses some of the challenging conditions gardeners in western Colorado face as well as top performers from the garden and beyond.
September
The Art of Insect Survival: Masters of Disguise and Flashy Warnings
Join Mel Schreiner, CSU Extension Entomologist, for a fun journey into insect camouflage and aposematism! Explore how bugs blend in with surroundings, from mimicking leaves to masquerading as twigs. Discover their clever tricks and how humans draw inspiration, creating camouflage clothing and more!
Chaos Gardening – A Playful Path to Sustainable Gardening
Explore chaos gardening — a trendy, low-pressure, creative approach to growing that blends beauty with sustainability. In this free webinar, you’ll learn how chaos gardening differs from traditional methods, explore its benefits for beginners and busy gardeners, and uncover the site conditions and plant choices that set it up for success. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls, like invasive species, and share practical strategies to design a thriving, pollinator-friendly chaos garden. Perfect for anyone ready to embrace a more playful, resilient style of gardening! Led by Colorado State University Extension Faculty located across the state.
October
Space Invaders: Garden variety monsters
We’ve likely made the mistake of planting garden “thugs” – the plants that take over your landscapes. Join Alison O’Connor from CSU Extension to identify a few of these plants and alternatives that are better behaved.
We’d like ideas for next year’s webinars: https://col.st/7kf6q
November
Basics of Tree Pruning: Keeping Your Urban Trees Healthy!
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 12:00pm MT
Freddie Haberecht, Urban Forestry Specialist with the City of Fort Collins, will go over the basics of urban tree pruning. Starting from the nursery, what is a good tree structure and how to keep your urban canopy happy!
We’d like ideas for next year’s webinars: https://col.st/7kf6q
December
Mindfulness in Nature: A Garden and Nature-Based Pilot Project
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 12:00pm MT
Jennifer Cook from Gilpin County Extension will teach mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and create a sense of peace in nature and in the garden. She will describe and summarize the Mindfulness in Nature pilot workshop held in Gilpin County, and discuss how you can host a similar activity with friends, youth, or the public.
We’d like ideas for next year’s webinars: https://col.st/7kf6q
2024 WEBINARS
JANUARY
Best of CSU Annuals and Perennials
Instructor: Dr. Chad Miller, CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Please take our survey and provide us with your valuable input!
FEBRUARY
Our Favorite Perennials
Instructors: Cassey Anderson and Alison O’Connor, CSU Extension
MARCH
Waterwise Updates for Lawns and Landscapes
Instructor: Deryn Davidson, CSU Extension Sustainable Landscapes Specialist
APRIL
Clover Lawns and Organic Lawn Care
Instructor: Dr. Tony Koski, CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Seed Starting
Instructor: Cassey Anderson, CSU Extension in Adams County
Gardening is Good!
Instructor: Alison O’Connor, CSU Extension in Larimer County
MAY
Terrific Trees for the Front Range
Instructor: Eric Hammond, CSU Extension in Adams County
Superior Shrubs for the Colorado Landscape
Instructor: Dr. Jim Klett, Professor Emeritus, CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
How to Buy a Plant
Instructor: John Murgel, CSU Extension in Douglas County
The Insect Eras Tour
Instructor: Lisa Mason, CSU Extension in Arapahoe County
Unique Annuals for Pots!
Instructor: Rachel Durkan, CSU Extension in Jefferson County
JUNE
Waterwise Turf Species: Pros and Cons
Instructor: Dr. Tony Koski, CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
JULY
Urban Arthropod Pests
Instructor: Karim Gharbi, Horticulture Specialist, Denver County Extension
AUGUST
Fire-Resilient Landscapes
Instructor: Micaela Truslove, Commercial Horticulture Specialist, Boulder County Extension
SEPTEMBER
Extending Your Garden Season
Instructor: Eric Hammond, County Director and Hort Specialist, Adams County Extension
OCTOBER
Plant Happiness: Seven Things Everyone Needs to Know
Instructor: John Murgel, Horticulture Specialist, Douglas County Extension
NOVEMBER
Starting Native Plants from Seed
Instructor: Allisa Zurbuchen, Horticulture Specialist, El Paso County Extension
DECEMBER
New! Fresh Gardening Myths
Instructor: Alison O’Connor, Horticulture Specialist, Larimer County Extension
Please take our survey and provide us with your valuable input!
