Are you interested in learning more about gardening? Would you like to be trained so that you can help others with their gardening problems?
If the answers to these questions are yes, then you will probably want to be a part of the master gardener course coordinated by the extension beginning in January.
The purpose of the extension master gardener course is to train interested gardeners to help others in solving their home horticultural problems.
Not only do participants learn to help others, but also they learn how to improve their own horticultural knowledge and gardens as well.
The 20 sessions starting Jan. 12 will be conducted generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and ending on March 30.
Some of the topics included in the 40 hours of training are: Soils and Plant Nutrition; Plant Physiology; Basic Entomology; Basic Plant Pathology; Weed Identification and Control; Chemical and Non-Chemical Pest Control; Vegetable Gardening; Fruit Gardening; Annual and Perennial Flowers; Woody Ornamental Culture; Turf Selection and Maintenance; Composting; Coping with Nuisance Wildlife; Attracting Desirable Wildlife; Irrigation; Xeriscaping; and Houseplants.
Each gardener who attends will need to be willing to share his/her knowledge with fellow gardeners.
Often, master gardeners work together on group projects that beautify their communities. Others might chose to help neighbors or friends on their own in order to control the schedule. Don't let the volunteer requirement deter you from getting involved because a plan can be worked out to fit anyone's needs.
For more information, an application form, and class schedule, contact McDuffie County Extension at (706) 595-1815 or stop by the office at 116 Main Street. A training-supply fee of $100 will be charged for each applicant selected. This is a great deal because just the textbook itself costs $80 and it's included in the supply fee.
Deadline for application and fee is December 7. Written confirmation of those selected, in addition to a refund to those not selected, will be mailed by the middle of December.
Space is limited, so act quickly if you are interested.
