Jerome County has an active Master Gardener program.  Projects include a plant problem diagnosis clinic and a demonstration garden at the Extension Office. 

Do you want some tips to help you with your gardening in the Magic Valley?  Click on the Gardening Tips for seasonal information.

Do you have a gardening question? How to, when to or what is this?  Submit it below and our Master Gardeners will answer.  It may take a few days, so please be patient!  Go to Garden Help to ask your question.

Sign Up NOW for the 2007 Wood River Valley

Fall Master Gardener Class

Beginning September 13th!!

Contact the Jerome County Extension Office for an application.  (208) 324-7578 or jerome@uidaho.edu

The Master Gardener Program is

"Helping People Grow!!"

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener Program is one way the University of Idaho Extension supports their motto of “people helping people.”

The Master Gardener training sessions will give you knowledge about a wide array of horticultural subjects. Your skills will increase and enable you to assist fellow gardeners with horticultural problems. As a Master Gardener, you will work with the public and may participate in organized volunteer activities and/or develop special horticultural programs within your community.

The Master Gardener Program is “helping people grow.” The program provides gardeners with an intensive education in horticultural principles. Participants who complete the program become certified Master Gardeners after completing the required volunteer hours.

Master Gardener trainees MUST complete a 36-hour volunteer commitment and can do so by:

• Answering garden questions at Extension-sponsored plant clinics
• Giving horticultural talks
• Conducting workshops
• Leading garden tours
• Community beautification projects
• Introducing children to gardening

In Idaho, the Master Gardener Program is conducted by the University of Idaho  Extension and participating county Extension offices.

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Classes are taught by University of Idaho Extension Specialists, Extension Educators, and experts from the community. Some of the topics covered in the 36 hours of instruction are:

• Lawn care
• Insects
• Disease and weed control
• Pesticide safety
• Soil and water management
• Fruit and vegetable culture
• Composting
• Tree care and pruning
• Problem diagnosis

Participants are required to return 36 hours of volunteer time in their community through approved county Extension programs. The Master Gardeners’ specific interests and skills are considered when planning volunteer projects.

Recertification credits for Idaho Pesticide Applicator License holders will be available for some classes. Contact us for more information.

Anyone with an interest in horticulture can become a Master Gardener. You must be interested in improving your own skills and knowledge and be willing to share that knowledge with others. Attendance at all classes is required.

A small fee covers registration, supplies, handouts, and the Master Gardener Handbook.  To find out more about the Master Gardener program, contact  Jo Ann Robbins in Jerome at 324-7578.

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