A free winter seminar offered by Christian County Master Gardeners will cover pruning and fertilizing basics for trees, fruit, vegetables, shrubs and flowers from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Nixa Community Center, 701 N. Taylor Way Nixa.

Register to attend the seminar by calling (417) 581-3558 at the University of Missouri Extension office on the Ozark square.

"Pruning for a Greener World," will be taught by Robert Balek, horticulture specialist with MU Extension. Balek's experience includes greenhouse management and crop production and landscape design and maintenance for parks, universities, tourist attractions and private properties.

Balek will discuss when to prune, what to prune and how to prune. "Attendees with learn how pruning can be part of pest management, how pruning can increase pollinator food and habitat, and how to kill plants with kindness and a pruning blade," said Balek.

"Keys to Soil Improvement: Better Gardens from the Ground Up," will be taught by Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with MU Extension. Schnakenberg coordinates the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks which has more than 100 Master Gardeners in Stone and Taney counties. He has served MU Extension and Missourians for 25 years.

Schnakenberg's presentation will focus on how to insure a garden has the potential to reach production goals, practice environmental stewardship and improve soil fertility. Key topics for discussion will include fertilizer sources, soil-building techniques, the timing of fertilizer applications, and the importance of soil testing.

Source: Tim Schnakenberg, (417) 357-6812; Jennifer Ailor, 417-581-4018