Area plant lovers have a great opportunity this fall to participate in an outstanding horticulture program. The Extension Master Gardener training will be held Sept. 1 through Dec. 15 on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. Classes will be a combination of online and in-person training.
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 will donate an equivalent number of hours of service as was received in instruction.
Topics covered in the training include:
• Plant Growth & Development
• Soils, Water and Fertilizer
• Vegetable Gardening
• Insect Diagnosis & Management
• Growing Fruit
• Annuals & Perennials
• Woody Ornamentals
• Turfgrass
• Landscape Maintenance
• Plant Disease Diagnosis & Management
• Pesticide Use and Safety
• Wildlife Management
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:
• Participants 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.
• Participants must have access to the internet, a computer/device with microphone and camera capabilities, an actively monitored email account, and be willing to travel to the in-person training site (Iola).
• 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 Aug. 10.
Applications can be found on the Southwind website www.southwind.ksu.edu or can be mailed to you. The $125 fee 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 agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
