Wednesday, November 5, 2003

Training for Master Gardeners starts in January

Gardening remains one of America’s favorite pastimes. Are you interested in becoming a better gardener? You can learn to garden like a master through the Georgia Master Gardener Program.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service trains Master Gardener volunteers to work with the Extension Service program. The Extension Service provides educational horticulture information and programs in the local community. Master Gardener volunteers improve their knowledge of horticulture and gardening skills while helping others solve horticulture problems in the landscape and garden.

The Coweta County Extension Service offers an area Master Gardener training each year along with Extension Services in Carroll, Douglas, Polk, Haralson and Paulding counties. The training, sponsored by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, will be held at the Carroll County Ag-Ed Center each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 27-April 1, 2004.

Specialists from The University of Georgia, extension agents, and other landscaping and horticulture specialists will be conducting the program. Participants review the basics of horticulture including soil structure, plant nutrition, plant physiology, and entomology. Also, topics of interest to most gardeners will be covered, such as plant selection, water wise landscaping, planting/maintaining ornamentals, urban trees, turf, and plant identification. Special sessions will include vegetable gardening, composting, organic gardening, and specialty gardening.

The program prepares Master Gardener volunteers to assist with their local County Extension Service program. Fifty hours of volunteer service are required for Master Gardener certification. A tuition of $125 includes 40 hours of training, materials, and a 541-page Georgia Master Gardener Handbook.

A limited number of applicants will be accepted into the program. Selection is based on individual ability and willingness to serve as a volunteer with the Coweta County Extension Program.

Applications are available at the Coweta County Cooperative Extension Service, 21 East Washington Street in Newnan. The registration deadline is Dec. 8. For more information, call 770-254-2620.

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