Billings Garden Workshop Teaches How to Battle Invasive Insects and Prep for Winter

If you’ve lived in Montana long enough, you know that fall doesn’t stick around for very long. One minute you’re enjoying crisp mornings and pumpkin spice, and the next, boom, your garden is under snow. That’s why the people at the MSU Extension office in Yellowstone County are stepping in with some timely help.

Free Garden and Pest Workshop Coming to MetraPark

On Saturday, October 4th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the MSU Extension team will host the Invasive Insects & Garden and Pesticide Winter Preparation Workshop. It’s happening inside the 4-H Building at MetraPark, 308 6th Ave N in Billings. Even better, it’s totally free and open to the public.

Learn How to Spot and Stop Invasive Insects

You might have heard of them, the Japanese beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, and emerald ash borer beetle. These invasive insects can wreak havoc on gardens and trees. Chloe Rice, MSU Arthropod Diagnostician, will be there to explain what you need to know to spot them and protect your plants before they do real damage.

Get Expert Tips on Winterizing Your Garden and Pesticides

Alongside that, Francisco Gamboa Herrera, Yellowstone County’s Agriculture Agent, will cover the practical steps every gardener needs this time of year. He’ll share how to plan and prepare your garden so it weathers the winter and is ready to thrive in the spring. He’ll also talk about the safest ways to store pesticides when the temperatures drop, and how to winterize pesticide equipment so you’re not left with problems when it’s time to start fresh in the spring.

Licensed Applicators Can Earn Pesticide Credits

The workshop isn’t just for hobby gardeners, either. It’s an MDA approved training, which means licensed pesticide applicators who attend may earn two to three pesticide credits, depending on their licensing category.

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How to Get More Information and RSVP

If this sounds like your kind of afternoon, plan to be there. For more information, you can call the MSU Extension office at (406) 256-2828. You can also reach out to Anthony Sammartano, Horticultural Agent, or Francisco Gamboa Herrera, Agriculture Agent with questions.