CULLMAN, Ala. – The application period for the 2023 Cullman County Master Gardener training course ends on Nov. 30. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System announced, “You do not have to be a garden expert. Simply come with a desire to learn and grow.”
Master Gardeners are Extension-trained volunteers who get connected to gardening information and educational opportunities. To become a Master Gardener, applicants must complete 50 hours of volunteer work in various community projects and a 14-week horticulture training course.
The Alabama Master Gardener Course is taught by Extension agents and horticulture specialists. Spring class topics include soils and plant nutrition, basic botany, integrated pest management, plant diseases, beneficial and pest insects, plant care and management, vegetables, fruit, woody ornamentals, annuals and perennials and home lawns.
The 14-week hybrid training course combines online learning with face-to-face classes at the Cullman County Extension office.
Cullman County Extension Agent Kira Sims previously told The Tribune, “Most folks get into it because they want to learn more about gardening; in particular, how to garden in Cullman County. We get people that are transplants that are coming from up north and say they don’t know anything about gardening here.”
Sims also began a mentor program within the Master Gardeners this year. Trainee gardeners will be paired up with mentors who have been through the program and can help answer any questions the new members may have along the way.
Sims said, “This gives the intern someone they can turn to, ask questions and learn from. The mentors can help the interns connect to other Master Gardeners in the local association and volunteer opportunities. The hope of the mentor program is to keep the interns engaged in the program so when they complete their training, Extension can retain them as volunteers.”
The Master Gardener program is for any who wish to learn more about gardening and have a desire to help beautify their community with volunteer gardening projects.
For more details, call the Cullman County Extension office at 256-737-9386 or apply at https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0HhPw6eIdFxQWfs.
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