Master Gardening Class Offered
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Master Gardening Class Offered Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent Have you already ordered your garden seeds? Are you busy plotting your garden and dreaming of warmer weather? If you are like me, then cabin fever may be reaching its peak! If you enjoy gardening, consider taking a Master Gardener course. The course allows you to network with other gardeners, provides skills to be successful in your yard and garden, and sparks innovative ideas.
MSU Extension in Broadwater County is hosting a Level 1 Master Gardener course starting February 22 and running consecutive Wednesdays for eight weeks until April 12. Level 1 is for beginner to intermediate gardeners who want to be more successful at vegetable and flower gardening. Topics covered include soils, fertilizer, plant growth, vegetables, ornamentals, landscaping, trees and shrubs, lawns, fruit and pest management. Speakers for the course this year are Allison Kosto, Dria Walker, Kelli Merkel, Terey Artz, Patrick Plantenberg and Kelley Gobbs.
The cost of the class is $90, which includes the Master Gardener Handbook, a binder of supplemental materials and light refreshments during meetings. Participants have the option of becoming a certified Master Gardener by passing a test and completing volunteer hours. A certificate and refund of $25 are awarded upon completion of the volunteer hours. Participants may also take the course just for the educational value and not become a certified Master Gardener.
The Master Gardener program was started by the Washington State Cooperative Extension Service in 1972 to reach home gardeners. It is now offered in all 50 states through the Extension Service. It pairs unbiased research-based information with community involvement. There are three levels. Level 1 is the platform for successful gardening. Level 2 offers more advanced materials and a focus on integrated pest management. Level 3 is an intensive three-day training on the MSU campus in Bozeman.
One of the main components of the program is volunteer commitment. There are many volunteer opportunities in the community and the class helps connect participants with local organizations. Participants help with horticulture-related activities in the community including answering horticulture questions, volunteering at the Farmers Market, writing articles, maintaining community flowerbeds, teaching classes or applied research. Past participants have volunteered with the Townsend Tree Board, assisted at the school greenhouse, coordinated Backyards of Broadwater, volunteered at the Farmer’s Market and helped elderly community members with their yards. Another option is to donate fresh garden produce to the local Food Pantry.
Signup for the class at the MSU Extension Office in Broadwater County. You can find us in the Flynn Building at 416 Broadway in Townsend or reach us at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu. Please sign up by February 8th.
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PhotoCredit: Allison Kosto
Image 1 Caption: Master Gardeners 2022; Ashley Cota and Terey Artz
