The fifth annual Columbia Basin Eco-Gardening Symposium promises to offer a sensational diversity of speakers, resource exhibitors, door prizes, and food. The event takes place Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Technical Skills Center at 900 Yonezawa Blvd. in Moses Lake. It is co-sponsored by the Grant County Conservation District and the Grant-Adams Master Gardener Foundation.

There will be three dynamic speakers with impeccable credentials. Isaac Madsen is a WSU postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Isaac is a passionate student of the soil and enjoys sharing his soils knowledge. Madsen’s talk will focus on how to improve soil health and increase fertility in home gardens.

There are two other fabulous speakers. Kurt Braunwart will discuss the benefits of using cover crops in the garden. Julie Sanderson will discuss options to control weeds and how to get an integrated weed management plan to work in the garden or yard. Each of the three talks will be accompanied by interactive Q&A periods

In addition to the three keynote speakers, there will be more than a dozen resource exhibitors who will be there to discuss their products or organizations, door prizes to be given away during breaks and a variety of food for the participants.

Space at the symposium is limited so applicants are encouraged to pre-register as soon as possible through Grant County Conservation District by calling (509) 765-9618, by signing up in person at the Conservation District office at 1107 S. Juniper Drive, Moses Lake, or by registering online at www.columbiabasincds.org.

For answers to your gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant County Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or by email at ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu.

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Requests for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and special needs should be made at least two weeks prior to an event by contacting the WSU Grant-Adams County Extension Office at 509-754-2011, ext. 4313. Reference to commercial product(s), commercial entities, or trade names does not imply endorsement by WSU or bias against those not mentioned.