Free UC Master Gardener Webinar to Explore Benefits of Perennial Vegetables

By: Sierra News Posted On: February 19, 2026 View: 1

MARIPOSA, CA – Residents interested in sustainable gardening and long-term food production will have an opportunity to learn from local experts this spring as the UC Master Gardener Program in Mariposa County hosts a free online workshop focused on perennial vegetables.

Perennial Veggie Webinar — UC Master Gardeners to host webinar on perennial vegetables.

The webinar, titled “Plant Once, Harvest Forever: Perennial Vegetables Explained,” will be held April 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The virtual event is open to the public and aims to help home gardeners understand how perennial crops can contribute to resilient, low-input food systems.

Participants will learn what qualifies as a perennial vegetable, why these crops can play a key role in sustainable gardening, and which varieties work best across different climates and garden sizes. The session will also cover practical strategies for planting, maintaining, and harvesting perennial vegetables successfully.

Organizers say the workshop is designed for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to reduce maintenance, conserve water, and build more productive landscapes over time.

The local program is part of the statewide Cooperative Extension system overseen by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, which provides research-based education in agriculture, natural resource management, and community health. The UC Master Gardener Program specifically trains volunteers to share university-backed gardening science with the public through workshops, demonstration gardens, school programs, and community outreach.

Through these efforts, Master Gardeners help residents address issues such as drought-tolerant landscaping, pest management, soil health, and food security — all topics that connect closely with the principles behind perennial vegetable gardening.

Registration for the webinar is free. Interested participants can sign up using the QR code on the event flyer, visit the UC survey registration page, or call 209-966-2417 for assistance.

With interest growing in climate-smart gardening practices across the Sierra foothills, organizers hope the session will inspire residents to rethink their planting strategies and explore crops that produce year after year.