The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service will begin its inaugural class of Extension Master Gardeners on Tuesday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service. Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) are trained volunteers that assist County Extension Agents (CEA) with educational programming.
EMGs are certified when they have completed the training sessions, homework, passed the comprehensive exam with a minimum score of 75%, and completed 40 hours of volunteer service. Registration for the EMG program in $75 and is due to the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service on April 1.
Registration fees will be used to offset the cost of EMG manuals, supplies for labs, and costs associated with volunteer screening.
Core curriculum consisting of 24 hours of instruction will be taught using a variety of methods, including self-paced lessons online, in-person classroom meeting and lab sessions, and homework assignments.
Here are some answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the Extension Master Gardener Program.
What is a Master Gardener?
A Master Gardener has an interest in all types of gardening, such as ornamental or vegetable, wants to teach others to garden, and is trained by Cooperative Extension personnel.
What Does a Master Gardener Do?
Master Gardeners help County Extension Agents reach more residents who have gardening problems by:
• Supplying a variety of educational projects related to gardening.
• Teaching Horticulture to beginning gardeners.
• Using special talents, such as writing, photography, and drawing to benefit others.
• Answering gardening questions of fellow gardeners.
• Working information booths at community events and other public settings.
I was previously certified as a Master Gardener in another county but my certification has lapsed. Can I become re-certified?
Yes, you may become re-certified by completing 10 hours of in-person training during this program and completing 20 hours of volunteer service.
What are Master Gardeners trained in?
Master Gardeners are trained in the areas of Botany, Entomology, Pesticide Use and Safety, Plant Pathology, Soils and Fertilizers, Volunteerism, Flower Gardening, Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Lawn Care, Organic Gardening, Tree and Shrub Care.
What is the schedule for the Master Gardener Classes?
The Master Gardener core curriculum will be taught over a 6-month period via a combination of online and in-person teaching. The tentative schedule is as follows:
April 5 at 5:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. – Orientation & Intro to Soils
May: online at your own pace – Botany & Plant Propagation
June 29 from 8:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. – Soil labs and Intro to Plant Pathology
July 23 from 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. – Plant Pathology, Entomology, Pesticide & the Environment
August: online at your own pace – Fruits & Veggies
September: online at your own pace – Woody Plants, Fruit Trees, & Turf.
October 6 at 10 a.m. – Turf Management & Graduation
The dates and times listed above are tentative and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances or to better suit participant’s schedules. For more information, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service at (270) 384-2317.
