Harvest WY Conference
Season Extension & Production Basics
Growing longer & better!
MArch 8th 2025, LCCC, Cheyenne, WY
- 7:50 AM Registration begins and lots of cool booths to visit!
- 8:30 AM Brief welcome, introductions and outline of the day
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Session- Extending the growing season in Wyoming. How long can I really grow?
In this session Jeff will discuss the many ways we can extend the growing season in Wyoming.
Room 108
Session- Wyoming soils- Managing them for success
This presentation is going to discuss the most common Wyoming soil types, limitations to these soils, an overview of nutrient requirements for crops, and how to get your soils to be as productive as possible. Taking these concepts and applying them to enclosed space production and intensive cultivation situations will help you produce bountiful fruit and vegetable
Room 109
Session- Strategic Intercropping
While many people’s ideal vegetable planting is defined by manicured and tidy rows, there is a lot that can be gained by intentionally mixing things up. In this talk: Understanding traditional practices of polycropping (growing multiple species together), an argument against “companion planting,” and how to leverage plant characteristics to boost blooms and bumper crops.
Room 305
Session- Gardening for insects
Many kinds of insects are considered desirable, providing services in the form of pollination or in the management of pest insects – or just because they can be interesting and enjoyable to watch. These insects can be encouraged to thrive if there is attention given to providing the conditions that they require in the form of foods used by the adults and young, shelter, and in some cases, nesting sites. In this session the principles for gardening for insects will cover butterflies, hummingbird moths, natural enemies of insect pests and various bees.
Room 206
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Session- Starting plants from seed
Get off on the right foot this growing season! Learn how to start plants from seeds. Many vegetables benefit from a jumpstart indoors before planting out in our short-season growing climate. You will also learn which vegetables prefer to be direct sown and some tips on timing and general success.
Room 108
Session- Irrigation Panel
Come join this panel of irrigators to learn about irrigation inside and outside of season extension structures. Topics include water application methods, irrigation scheduling, automation, maintenance, and more!
Room 109
Session- Gardening for insects
Many kinds of insects are considered desirable, providing services in the form of pollination or in the management of pest insects – or just because they can be interesting and enjoyable to watch. These insects can be encouraged to thrive if there is attention given to providing the conditions that they require in the form of foods used by the adults and young, shelter, and in some cases, nesting sites. In this session the principles for gardening for insects will cover butterflies, hummingbird moths, natural enemies of insect pests and various bees.
Room 305
Session- Find a niche: filling gaps in the market in the shoulder seasons
This workshop will highlight ways to identify crops and growing strategies to fill market gaps in the shoulder seasons. The discussion will focus on practical methods for growing greens, root crops, and specialty products earlier or later in the year. By identifying underrepresented niches in farmers’ markets, attendees will gain actionable insights to diversify their offerings and bring unique, in-demand products to their community. Those that are growing for home use or donation to food banks can also use this information to make the best use of an extended growing season.
Room 206
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Session- Building season extension structures to withstand Wyoming weather
Jeff will cover the many types of structures he has experimented with in Wyoming. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of each and provide information on light and airflow management to optimize the growing conditions in an enclosed space.
Room 108
Session- Growing fruits and berries in Wyoming
Come learn which small fruits and fruit trees have stood the test of time in the Cheyenne area. Scott Skogerboe has tested 100’s of varieties in his 3 acres property north of Fort Collins for 30 years. Let his experiences guide you in selection, pollination needs and cultural requirements leading to successful backyard fruit growing.
Room 109
Session- Wyoming soils- Managing them for success
This presentation is going to discuss the most common Wyoming soil types, limitations to these soils, an overview of nutrient requirements for crops, and how to get your soils to be as productive as possible. Taking these concepts and applying them to enclosed space production and intensive cultivation situations will help you produce bountiful fruit and vegetable.
Room 305
Session- What does it really take to be a market grower!
In this session we’ll cover what to consider if you are interested in growing for the market, to see if it is right for you. We’ll also cover some of the different kinds of markets in Wyoming (in-person sales, online, etc.).
Room 206
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Session- Some Interesting and Unusual Herbs and Veggies to Consider
For the past two years, a demonstration area at a northern Colorado CSU farm has been developed to showcase the diversity of the world’s crops. In 2024 there were over 250 different kinds of plants included (different species, cultivars) with greatest emphasis on different types of vegetables and herbs. Several of these have stood out as having unusual qualities, as food crops and sometimes also for ornamental use and/or to assist with nectar/pollen needs of various beneficial insects. About a dozen of these will be discussed.
Room 108
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Session- Deep winter greenhouses
A deep winter greenhouse (DWG) is a sustainable farming solution designed to grow crops year-round, even in cold climates. These greenhouses utilize passive solar heating, geothermal energy, and thermal mass to regulate temperature without relying on conventional heating systems. Some designs incorporate partially underground structures to harness the earth’s natural heat, while geothermal loops supplement warmth from the ground. Join this session to learn more about the pros and cons of building and operating these structures.
Room 108
Session- Let's grow vertical!
Join Hannah & Dave to talk about maximizing space efficiency in your Season Extension structures and confined garden spaces. Topics include key benefits, best suited plants, and types of materials and structures that can be used.
Room 109
Session- Growing fruits and berries in Wyoming
Come learn which small fruits and fruit trees have stood the test of time in the Cheyenne area. Scott Skogerboe has tested 100’s of varieties in his 3 acres property north of Fort Collins for 30 years. Let his experiences guide you in selection, pollination needs and cultural requirements leading to successful backyard fruit growing.
Room 305
Session- Cultivating a healthy new venture
Are you ready to turn your great idea into a thriving new venture? Success depends on more than just ambition—it requires understanding potential hurdles, prioritizing key challenges, and tackling risks strategically. Identifying critical challenges early on, whether they involve funding, team dynamics, or market competition, can make all the difference. By addressing these challenges from the start, you can set your venture on the path to success.
Room 206
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Session- Edible landscaping
Learn how to integrate crops into your home landscapes. Get the most out of small and awkward spaces by selecting plants and varieties that produce both food and beauty. Whether adding a few annual herbs to a flower garden or landscape designing with berry bushes, you too can get more out of your home landscapes.
Room 108
Session- Pest management inside and out
When growing vegetables, pests are not a matter of if, but when. Jeff will provide management tactics for weeds, diseases, insects, and rodents in production, with an emphasis of enclosed spaces.
Room 109
Session- Irrigation Management for Wyoming Plants
Providing plants with the water they need to succeed is major challenge in Wyoming. This session will cover the scientific knowledge of how to manage irrigation for plant health and production, the pros and cons of the different irrigation systems, and how to put this knowledge into practical use.
Room 305
Session- Small Livestock, Your Garden, and You!
Do you find yourself managing mounds of manure? Are you thinking about shifting to organic cropping methods? Come and learn how livestock and gardening can be both competitive and complimentary.