Master Gardener Program
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The Extension Master Gardener Program is an educational volunteer training program sponsored by K-State Research and Extension. Through this program, individuals are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas. These individuals, in turn, volunteer their expertise and services to help others through horticulture projects that benefit the community.
Once trained, Extension Master Gardeners provide research based information to the public on many topics including water conservation, yard waste management, regional plant adaptability, and the environment.
The Master Gardeners work with their local Extension staff to develop educational programs that meet the horticultural needs of their local citizens. Projects may include school programs, demonstration gardens, speaker's bureau and answering questions on a horticulture hot line.
When & Where Is The Master Gardener Training Offered?
Master Gardener training for Northwest Kansas begins on February 2nd and will be every Tuesday in February and March 2016. Training location; Rawlins County Fair Building, Atwood, KS.
What Does the Master Gardener Training Provide?
The Northwest Extension Master Gardener training program provides over 40 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction in horticulture related areas. Classes in the training program include:
- Basic Botany
- Vegetable Gardening
- Fruit Gardening
- Turf Management
- Herbaceous Ornamentals
- Tree & Shrub Care
- Woody Plants
- Indoor Plants/Flowers
- Insect Diagnosis & Management
- Landscape Design
- Soils/Water/Fertilizers/Compost
- Interacting with the Public
- Pesticides
- Plant Disease Diagnosis & Management
Courses are taught by horticulture specialists from Kansas State University and County Extension Agents.
What Does The Master Gardener Program Require?
The first year, after receiving the basic training, Extension Master Gardeners are required to return 40 hours of service time on projects that benefit the community and events sponsored by their County Extension Office. Active participation is a commitment each individual is asked to make to the program.
After the first year, Extension Master Gardeners are asked to volunteer 20 hours and continue their education with 8 hours of advanced training.
Why Become An Extension Master Gardener?
Extension Master Gardeners become friends with many interesting and talented individuals. They share ideas with one another. Extension Master Gardeners never stop learning, but continue to grow in their knowledge of garden related issues.
Being an Extension Master Gardener is a fun, interesting, and rewarding experience!
Who Can Apply?
Anyone age 18 or over who has an interest in horticulture can apply. If you want to improve your skills and knowledge and like to work with people, the Extension Master Gardener program may be for you!
Application Process
An Application must be submitted to your local Extension Office. Applications are due no later than January 15, 2016. A minimum of 10 people must be pre-registered to hold the program.
Upon review of the application, all applicants will be contacted.
Applications available at your local Extension Office.
Program Cost
An enrollment fee of $95.00 covers the cost of all educational materials.
