Area plant lovers will have a great opportunity this fall to participate in an outstanding horticulture program!
The Master Gardener training will be held in Chanute starting September 10th and will conclude on October 15th. The training is held during the day from 9 am to 4 pm. The Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which K-State Research and Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer time.
Master Gardener training consists of 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture.
Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University, local extension agents and local experts. After training is completed, volunteers donate an equivalent number of hours of service as was received in instruction.
Topics that will be covered in the training include:
- Plant Growth & Development
- Soils, Water and Fertilizer
- Vegetable Gardening
- Insect Diagnosis & Management
- Fruit Gardening
- Annuals & Perennials
- Woody and Grassy Ornamentals
- Turfgrass
- Landscape Maintenance
- Plant Disease Diagnosis & Management
- Pesticide Use and Safety
Although the Master Gardener program is a volunteer activity, there are some requirements that must be met prior to the selection process. Each individual wishing to participate in the Master Gardener training must meet the following requirements:
- You need to be available for about 40 hours of community horticulture service during the first year. The number of hours to be donated is equal to the number of hours of training received.
- You must have at least a High School Diploma or the equivalent.
- You must be willing to travel to the training site for all classes.
- Enjoy sharing your love of gardening with others through various Extension Master Gardener projects.
The Southwind Extension District currently has an active Master Gardener program consisting of 25 individuals. The Master Gardeners have completed volunteer projects such as demonstration flower beds, vegetable research trials and various other projects in Erie, Chanute, Iola, Humboldt, Moran and Fort Scott. In addition, educational tours and activities are also planned.
Applications are available now and are due to the Southwind Extension District by August 27th. Applications can be picked up at any of our four Extension office locations, e-mailed or mailed to you. The fee for the course is $85 which covers the cost of the Master Gardener resource notebook. For more information about the Master Gardener training, please contact the Extension office.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.