GRO Big Red Virtual Learning

2026 Programs

This webinar series, sponsored by Nebraska Extension and delivered via Zoom, is a great opportunity to join experts from Nebraska Extension to learn and ask questions! All  programs are on the second Wednesday of the month from Noon-1 pm CT. 

If you cannot participate in the live programs, they will be recorded and made available on this webpage for later viewing, too. 

Register Here!
 

March 11 - The Road to Ripe: Growing Great Tomatoes | Dana Freeman, Urban Ag Instructor 
Discover how to take your tomatoes from seed to plate with confidence. Learn proven tips for variety selection, planting, and pest management in Nebraska gardens.
 

April 8 - Vegetable Garden Insect Pests | Dr. Jody Green, Extension Educator
Gardeners will learn about preventing and managing the most common vegetable garden insect pests. Participants will learn to identify insect pests and how to use IPM to ensure a good harvest.
 

May 13 - Lawn and Landscape Weeds | Scott Evans, Extension Associate
Weeds are among the most visible and persistent landscape pests, competing with desirable plants for space, light, water, and nutrients. Any plant growing where it’s not wanted can be considered a weed, making effective management essential for every gardener and landscape professional.
 

June 10 - Beyond Pollinators: Predatory and Beneficial Bugs | Ian Peterson, Extension Educator
Good garden bugs aren't just our pollinators. From pest predators to nutrient cyclers, learn about some of the other helpers in our gardens and how to support their ongoing presence to best benefit your plants and landscape.
 

July 8 - Recognizing Tree Hazards and Non-Hazards | John Fech, Extension Educator
Trees bring many benefits to our landscapes, but hazards need to be identified and either remediated or removed.  Property owners will learn methods to detect possible defects on their trees and how to obtain professional assistance to determine the appropriate course of action.


August 12 - Composting for Small-Scale Growers: Understanding Basic Principles, Selecting the Right Ingredients, Testing for Quality, & Remedies for Common Problems | Katja Koehler-Cole, Extension Educator
This session is designed to equip small-scale growers the knowledge and skills for making compost to enhance soil structure, microbial richness, soil aeration & water retention. We will explain the biological foundation of composting, adding ingredients, assessing compost quality & what to do if problems arise.


September 9 - Fall Garden Preparation | Nicole Stoner, Extension Educator
Once fall comes along, there are quite a few tasks to complete in our lawns and gardens, but timing is very important. Learn about fall tree planting and pruning, fall lawncare and more. Participants will also learn how to prepare their landscapes for winter weather.


October 14 - Spring Flowering Bulbs | Scott Evans, Extension Associate and Mary Jane Frogge, Extension Associate
Spring-flowering bulbs provide early-season color, fragrance, and pollinator support when other plants are dormant. Learn basic care and selection of spring bulbs you can plant this fall.