Master Gardener program seeks recruits

WEIRTON -- Though the coming days promise to be especially bitter cold ones, the West Virginia University Extension Service Hancock County is thinking warmer days and the growing season as it is accepting new students for its Master Gardener classes.

The classes begin March 4 and run for 13 weeks. They will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Weirton.

The Master Gardener program is designed to help home gardeners expand their knowledge of gardening.

"If you are someone who always wished you knew the how's and why's of gardening, this is the program for you," noted Ann Bailey, agricultural and natural resources, program assistant, WVU Extension Service, Hancock County.

For example: Why do roses have thorns? What is eating my tomatoes? What can I use to kill insects on my plants that's not harmful to the environment? Should I cut my bushes down to the ground or let them stay the height they are? How can I protect my plants during winter?

Master Gardener classes are taught mostly by WVU professors who are experts in their field. Other experts from the Tri-State Area also assist by bringing their expertise while teaching a variety of topics, including:

¯ Soils and fertilizers; gardening and equipment; home gardening/composting; square foot gardening;

¯ Turf grass management; gardening for life;

¯ Garden animals -- friends or foes? Herbaceous plants;

¯ Basic botany (plant life);

¯ Fruit trees;

¯ Fruit bushes;

¯ Basics of entomology (bugs);

¯ Plant diseases; pesticides and pest management;

¯ Plant propagation; vegetable gardening;

¯ Landscape design; indoor plants; native plants (plants that typically grow in the area); and

¯ Woody ornamentals; pruning ornamental plants.

A Saturday session with an Extension agent will involve a hands-on educational workshop on pruning trees.

To become a WVU Extension certified Master Gardener, class members will take part in 40 hours of instruction and then 40 hours of volunteer work in the community. After the first year, Master Gardeners must complete 20 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education each year thereafter to maintain their certification.

Volunteer hours can be earned in many different areas such as working with children teaching the "Meet the Plants" program in schools, developing community gardens or working with local garden clubs to name a few. Some activities can be time-consuming while others can be much simpler.

"The classes are taught by experts in their field, and you will learn more than you ever thought possible -- or maybe wanted to know," Bailey noted. The cost is $85 to cover the cost of the course materials. The fee does not need to be paid until acceptance into the program.

While it is "quite a commitment' to become a Master Gardener, "it is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and your community," according to Bailey.

To take part in this year's classes or for information about the program, contact Bailey by Monday at (304) 564-3805. "We hope that you will 'Come Grow With Us,'" Bailey said.