Master Gardener Program for Fall 2009

ISU Extension in Sac County will be offering the Master Gardener program in the Fall of 2009 and would like to encourage area gardeners to enroll. Classes will start the week of Sept 7th and continue for 8 weeks on various Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of October. Master Gardener trainees attend 40 hours of classes taught by Iowa State University Extension staff and specialists in topics ranging from lawn care, flower and vegetable gardening, ornamental trees and shrubs, fruit crops, and houseplants to insect, disease, and weed control, soil and plant nutrition, and pesticide safety.

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees and lawns. "What really sets them apart from other home gardeners is their commitment to learning and sharing what they learn with others," said Tom Duncan, Sac County Extension Education Director. In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 40 hours of service to their local extension program. "The service opportunities are wide-ranging and can be tailored to the individuals interest," said Duncan. Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for gardening information, staff plant clinics or displays, speak to local groups, teach youths, provide horticulture therapy activities for the elderly, and supervise or judge county fair horticulture activities as judges or project coordinators.

To sign up for the next Master Gardener class in this area, contact the ISU Extension office at 712-662-7133 or e-mail duncan@iastate.edu. Sac County will be partnering again this year with Pocahontas and Calhoun counties and the North Central Correctional Facility in Rockwell City.