Last year, Bob Gorman, cooperative extension agent from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), came to Wrangell to teach the “Master Gardener” class — a nearly 40-hour course offered throughout the state of Alaska that teaches residents the essentials for home gardening.
Gorman returned to Wrangell earlier this week as a follow up to the Master Gardener course. On Monday, he visited with master gardeners, and on Tuesday led a free class on growing fruit in wet, cool and cloudy Wrangell.
The cold, wet soil throughout Southeast Alaska is the biggest problem gardeners face when trying to grow fruit trees, Gorman said.
Yet, while there are frequent overcast days during the growing season that are cold and moist, Gorman said growing fruit in Wrangell is not impossible.
“It takes patience and practice,” Gorman said.
Berry crops and small fruits are some crops that can grow in Southeast Alaskan gardens, he said.
Gorman, who is basked in Sitka, has worked as the extension agent for UAF for 21 years and has taught at least four Master Gardener coursed in Wrangell over the years, he said.
Along with Wrangell, Gorman has visited Petersburg and Kake for gardening projects this year.
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