Master Gardener classes to start
Master Gardener courses have been rotated annually since 1996 between Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains and last year in Hot Springs. During that period, over 250 people have attended all or part of the program. In 2009, MSU State Horticulturist, Toby Day reorganized the Montana Master Gardener program into three levels with level 1 similar to the curriculum taught for many years in counties across the state. Level 2 is more in-depth and level 3, an on-campus intensive 3 day short course offered in Bozeman this coming summer (2011).
The eight-week (16 hour) Level 2 Master Gardener will be offered to Sanders County residents in 2011. Classes will be led by Extension staff, resource professionals and qualified volunteers. The Level 2 Master Gardener course is an intermediate/advanced gardening course for those who have prior knowledge or experience in gardening. Level 1is not a requirement to enroll in level 2. Level 2 Master Gardener courses are uniform across Montana and subject-matter will include: The role of the Master Gardener in Extension, binomial nomenclature, fertility, plant nutrients (more emphasis on micronutrients and microorganisms), plant growth and development Part 2, entomology, plant diseases and environmental (abiotic) disorders, vegetable and fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM), trees, shrubs, and lawn Integrated Pest Management (IPM), advanced pruning and woody ornamental care, plant propagation, water conservation.
For those pursuing Level 2 Master Gardener certification, you will be asked to pass a closed-book exam and fulfill a 30 hour volunteer community service commitment. It has been our experience however, that the majority of participants are more interested learning and sharing, than certification requirements. Pursuing Level 2 certification is not a requirement to enroll in level 2.
Classes (10 person minimum) will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm in the conference room of the Sanders County Extension office located at 2504 Tradewinds Way, Thompson Falls, MT on consecutive Wednesdays from February 2 through March 23, 2011. A basic fee of $20 will be charged to cover program costs. Resource materials including The Montana Master Gardener Handbook ($40) and Tree/Shrub Selection Guide and Tree/Shrub Growers Guide ($10 each) will be available for purchase. Please register by Friday, January 21, 2011at 827-6934.
People interested in learning more about the Montana Master Gardener program can visit: http://gardenguide.montana.edu/mgardener/mgardenerindex.asp or contact the Sanders County Extension office at 827-6934, jhalpop@montana.edu.