The Extension Master Gardener program provides
horticulture training in exchange for volunteer work. The program is a great
way to gain horticultural knowledge and share your expertise in your community.
You will meet other gardeners, share gardening experiences, get connected to the
community, and be associated with a well-respected national program.
The Extension Master Gardener program is offered through
local Cooperative Extension Service offices. Cooperative Extension is an
outreach unit of Kentucky’s Land-grant universities – the University of
Kentucky and Kentucky State University. The Cooperative Extension Service and
Extension Master Gardeners use and provide research-based recommendations to
clients.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM PROVIDE?
The Master Gardener training program provides more than 30 hours of classroom
and hands-on instruction in horticulture and related areas. Class instructors
include Extension specialists, agents and other guest speakers. Classes include reading assignments and homework questions covering
important concepts to be learned about each subject.
Class topics include:
·
Botany
·
Entomology
·
Plant pathology
·
Soils
·
Fertilizers
·
Pesticide use and safety
·
Growing annuals, perennials and native plants
·
Tree, shrub and lawn care
·
Fruit and Vegetable production
WHAT
DOES THE PROGRAM REQUIRE?
· A one-time $85.00
registration fee to cover materials used and given in class. (a limited number of scholarships are
available, check with the Extension Office for details.)
· Submitting information for
background check.
· Reading assignments and
homework questions covering key ideas in horticulture
. ·
Volunteer hours of 30 the first year, then 15 each year thereafter.
· Written Exam
The next class for the McCracken County Extension Service
will begin on March 19 and will end on May 21. The classes will be from 5:15
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Limited scholarships are available. Applications can be picked
up at the Extension Office at 2705 Olivet Church Road. For more information
please contact the McCracken County Extension Office at 270-554-9520.
