2015 Master Gardener Volunteer Classes Starting in September

If you enjoy gardening, want to learn more about it and have some spare time on your hands for volunteer work, then the Master Gardener program might be for you. The Reno County Extension Master Gardener program is currently in need of new volunteers for the 2015-2016 season. Training for new volunteers will begin on September 10. Classes will be held every Thursday until December 10 except on Thanksgiving Day. Class time will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A one-time fee of $110.00 will be charged to cover the cost of a class reference book and other materials.

The Master Gardener Program is for those individuals who are interested in plants and gardening and enjoy sharing their knowledge for the benefit of others. Prior knowledge of gardening is not necessary to be in the Master Gardening Program. Volunteers will be given approximately 40 hours of college level training in home horticulture. Class subjects include landscaping, soil fertility, insects and diseases, plant problem diagnosis, fruits and vegetables, annual and perennial flowers, native plants, herbs, trees, shrubs, turf and plant propagation. Classes will be taught by Kansas State University faculty and local horticulture industry experts. In return for the training, Master Gardeners are asked to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours to Reno County Extension Master Gardener educational programs during the following growing season.

Anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener can pick up an application or have questions answered at the Reno County Extension Office, located at 2 W. 10th in South Hutchinson, by calling 620-662-2371. Applications are also available to download from a link under the Becoming a Master Gardener section on the right side of this page. Deadline to submit an application is August 31.