What is the Master
Gardener Program?
The Master
Gardener Program is one way your University of Idaho
Extension System 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 30-hour volunteer commitment and
will do so by:
-
Answering garden
questions at Extension-sponsored plant clinics (MANDATORY
12 hours)
-
Giving horticulture
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 System and participating county Extension
offices.
What Will I
Learn in the Training Program?
Classes are taught by
the University of Idaho Extension Specialists, Extension
Educators, and experts from the community. Topics
covered in the 30 hours of instruction are:
-
Lawn
Care
-
Insects
-
Disease
and weed control
-
Pesticide
safety
-
Soil
and water management
-
Fruit
and vegetable culture
-
Composting
-
Tree
and shrub care and pruning
-
Problem diagnosis
There will be twelve
3-hour classes beginning
Commitment
Participants are required to return at least 30 hours of volunteer time in their
community through approved county Extension programs.
12 hours of
service in the plant clinic closest to your home is required. The Master
Gardener's specific interests and skills are considered when planning volunteer
projects.
Who Can Become a Master Gardener?
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
and volunteer hours are required.
Cost
A fee of $80 covers
registration. supplies, handouts, and the Master
Gardener Handbook, which is the required text for the
class.
To find out more about the Master Gardener program, contact the Jerome
County Extension Office at 208-324-7578. or go to
http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/jerome/Master
%20Gardcener.html
Pesticide License Credits
Recertification
credits for Idaho Pesticide Applicators License holders
and Certified Crop Advisors will be available for some
classes. Contact us for more information. Additional
information can be found:
http://www.uidaho.edu/ag/mastergarden/index.html
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