The Master Gardener basic training is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings from Oct. 6 to Feb. 23. The first class Thursday, Oct. 6, will begin with communication techniques and also includes an orientation to the program. The cost of the class is $200. The cost of the manual is $75.
This volunteer training course is designed to provide experienced home gardeners with information and skills to serve as volunteer educators. Master Gardeners use research-based information to teach information on best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship. More information is available online at extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/join.
In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates must agree to volunteer 50 hours to the Clarion County Master Gardener Program within the first year and 20 hours each year thereafter to maintain certification.
Core classes include: botany, plant propagation, pesticides and pest management, basics of entomology, plant diseases, soils and fertilizer, turfgrass management, the vegetable garden, pruning ornamental plants, composting, woody ornamentals, herbaceous plants, Pennsylvania native plants, invasive species and weeds.
Interested persons may call the Penn State Extension Office located at 8 Grant St., Clarion, at 223-9028 for more information or to request an application.