Page 42 2024 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2024 Do you have a passion for gardening? Do you enjoy learning and volunteering? If your answer is “yes,” have you ever considered joining Master Gardeners? Master Gardeners is a program sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension whose mission is “helping others learn to grow.” Its purpose “is to provide horticultural information specific to local climates, soils, and plants, and training to the private, general gardening public, based on University of Illinois research.” Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who are community educators that make available “University-based horticultural information to local communities and individuals.” The Master Gardener program objectives are to provide University of Illinois horticultural information at the local level, develop educational community programming including gardening projects and environmental improvement initiatives, and to develop the leadership potential of volunteers. Along the way, Master Gardeners learn plenty that will help them improve their own gardens and landscapes, as well! Becoming a Master Gardener begins with extensive training in research-based horticultural best practices provided by the University of Illinois Extension. The Illinois Gardener Training is available online and inperson. It is also available to those who may not necessarily want to join Master Gardeners, but wish to increase their knowledge and skills in gardening and horticulture. The course fee covers both the classes and the Master Gardener Manual. Courses include Introduction to Botany, Soils and Fertilizers, Diagnosis and Disease, Insects, Integrated Pest Management, Vegetable Gardening, Lawns and Turf Grass, Annuals and Perennials, Trees Shrubs, and Woody Vines, Wildlife, Small Fruits and Tree Fruits, and Organic Gardening. The Manual includes additional chapters on Propagation, Weeds, Nuts, Herbs, Roses, Bulbs, Landscaping, and Houseplants. After completing the Illinois Gardener Training, potential Master Gardeners must submit an application to their local Extension Office. The local coordinator will review the application and then conduct an interview. Upon acceptance, the new Master Gardener will undergo a background check and additional safety training. It is possible not all applicants will be accepted to the program as there may be more applicants than space allows depending on the local office. In such cases, the applicant’s name will be kept on file Continued -- How to Become a Master Gardener
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExODA=