by Dick White
The Master Gardener Association of Barnstable County has extended an invitation to the members of the Cape Cod Chapter ARS to apply to join their organization. Their mission is to provide accurate and current horticultural information to the Cape's gardening community. They offer many programs for our gardening community and hope that our group continues to take advantage of them.
There is a selective admissions process. Annually, twelve new students are admitted into the extensive training program. Applications are available online at -- www.capecodextension.org/mastergardeners -or by calling the Extension Office at 508-375-6690.
The four month program begins in February 2007, with classes held each Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no charge for the program although there is a $50 fee for a comprehensive Master Gardener Training Manual. Extension members and local experts teach the basics of plant science and home gardening. You also learn about soil, composting, trees and shrubs, perennials, insects, plant pathology, propagation, pesticide safety, plant nutrition, turf management, roses, and fruit and vegetable production.
Once you have completed the training program you are required to complete 60 hours on the "Hotline" at the Extension Office, answering the public's questions and concerns about their gardens. (This is also an opportunity to increase your own knowledge.)