Wausaukee, Wis. — As summer begins, most gardeners focus their attention on the various insects, diseases, weeds and other pests that affect their plants’ health, vigor and productivity.

The Marinette office of UW-Madison Extension is providing all area home gardeners a series of opportunities to learn more about the pests they may find on the various plants they are growing.

The live “lunch ‘n’ learn” webinar series will focus on a group of plants and the primary pests which afflict them. Participants will have the opportunity to view the pests, the damage they cause, and then discuss management possibilities.

The four plant groups and their program dates are —

— Thursday, July 2: Vegetable Garden Pests;

— Tuesday, July 7: Fruit Crop Pests;

— Thursday, July 9: Flower Bed Pests;

— Thursday, July 16: Shade Tree Pests.

The live discussion will be led by Scott Reuss, Marinette County agriculture and horticulture agent. He will focus on local timing of primary pests, how to properly identify the pests or their symptoms and realistic management options that can keep damage to plants to a minimum.

Participants will be able to share their concerns, questions and experiences as part of the interaction.

These programs will be offered as webinars to maximize the number of individuals able to partake in the discussion.

Registration is free and will include follow-up e-mails with resources regarding the topics discussed and links to management publications and factsheets. To register, e-mail to scott.reuss@wisc.edu or nservais@marinettecounty.com by 10 a.m. the day of the program. The webinar link will be sent before to the start of the webinar.

For more information about the program content or delivery methods, contact Reuss at the e-mail above or by phone at 715-732-7510.

More local horticulture information is available on the web at https://marinette.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture/ Other agriculture or horticulture inquiries can be directed to Reuss via e-mail or phone as well.