As winter begins to loosen its grip across Southern Oregon, gardeners in Josephine County will have an opportunity to get a head start on the growing season. The Oregon State University Extension Service in Josephine County is inviting the public to attend a Master Gardener Speaker Series event focused on spring garden preparation, scheduled for February 14, 2026.
The educational program will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rogue Community College, located at 3345 Redwood Highway in Grants Pass. The presentation will take place in Room J-1 and is designed for gardeners of all experience levels who are looking to improve their spring planting success.
The featured speaker for the afternoon is Josephine County Master Gardener Pamela Zaklan, who will provide practical guidance on preparing garden beds and landscapes for the upcoming planting season. Her presentation will focus on techniques to ready soil, assess winter damage, and plan effectively for spring crops and ornamentals. In addition to demonstrating preparation methods, Zaklan will share strategies to help gardeners determine what steps are most appropriate for their individual gardens.
The Master Gardener program, administered through Oregon State University’s Extension Service, is known for offering research-based horticultural education tailored to local growing conditions. In Josephine County, where microclimates can vary widely from valley floors to surrounding foothills, preparation practices can differ significantly. Events such as this speaker series aim to bridge the gap between university research and home gardening practices, helping residents make informed decisions that support healthy, productive gardens.
Organizers encourage early planning, particularly as unpredictable late winter weather patterns can influence soil readiness and planting timelines. The session will offer insight into how to evaluate soil moisture, amend garden beds, and time plantings to reduce risk while maximizing yield and plant health.
Community members seeking additional details about the event may click here or contact the OSU Extension office in Josephine County at 458.291.7301.
Individuals requiring accommodations related to a disability are asked to submit requests by February 11, 2026. Arrangements can be made by contacting Clay Guetling at 541.241.3050 or by email at clay.guetling@oregonstate.edu.
With spring just weeks away, the upcoming workshop offers local residents an opportunity to prepare thoughtfully and cultivate a successful growing season before the first seeds even touch the soil.
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