The core master gardener course will be offered online and in a traditional classroom setting. If weekday morning classes conflict with an individual's schedule, the classes can be watched online. Also, all assignments will be online.
The traditional classroom training will be conducted at several locations in the state, including Ashley,
The online and classroom sessions will run for eight weeks beginning Sept. 27 and ending Nov. 15. The training sessions will be held every Friday from
"Topics will include annual and perennial flowers, selecting and planting trees and shrubs, soil health, plant diseases and pests, landscape design, vegetable and fruit production and so much more," McGinnis says.
The cost is $150 for those wishing to become a certified master gardener and $300 for those just interested in taking the class. Computer knowledge and Internet access is required. All handouts will be available online for participants to access and print.
Certified master gardeners are required to complete 48 hours of approved volunteer work through their NDSU county Extension agent. The volunteer work should be completed within 24 months following the completion of classes.
"The master gardener program goes beyond ordinary and invests in creating leaders to serve the needs of their communities," McGinnis says. "Master gardeners become ambassadors to assist the NDSU Extension Service in providing accurate and environmentally sustainable horticultural advice."
For more information, contact your local NDSU Extension Service office or McGinnis at (701) 231-7406.
To register, go to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/mastergardener. All registration is done online and payment is by credit card or electronic check only. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 13.
