Are you interested in learning more about gardening? The purpose of the Master Gardener program is to train volunteers to provide educational horticulture information and programs through the local county extension service. Participants in the Master Gardener program will improve their knowledge of horticulture and gardening skills as they help others solve horticulture problems in the landscape and garden.

The Coweta County Extension Service is working jointly with extension services in Carroll, Douglas, Haralson, and Paulding counties to provide the 1999 Master Gardening Training Program. The sessions will be held at the Carroll County Ed. Center each Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 26-April 1 from 10 a.m.-noon.

Specialists from The University of Georgia, extension agents, and other landscaping and horticulture specialists will be conducting the program. Topics for the 1999 session include: Soils and Plant Nutrition; Plant Physiology; Basic Entomology; Basic Pathology; Planting and Maintaining Ornamentals; Plant Selection and Use; Vegetable Gardening, Insects; Diseases and Weeds of Vegetables; Organic Gardening and Composting; Small Fruit Production; Turf Selection and Establishment; Turf Maintenance; Diagnosing Turf Problems; Homeowner, Woody Ornamental and Turf Insect Control; Ornamental and Turf Disease Lab; Annual and Perennials; Specialty Gardens; Tree Care and Maintenance; Extension Office Procedures and available resources; and "Getting Started."

The intent of the program is to provide training in subjects that will prepare you to assist your local county extension agent. Fifty hours of volunteer time are required for Master Gardener initial certification. The tuition of $85 includes 40 hours of training, materials and a 541-page Georgia Master Gardener Handbook.