Coconino Master Gardener Training Begins

Apply now for the spring Master Gardener class

Applications are now being accepted for the Coconino County Master Gardener Training Course. This course is part of a nationwide certification program that provides horticulture training to volunteers for the purpose of enabling them to help their communities through horticulture education.

This course is designed for those who are interested in learning more about high elevation gardening and who are willing to share this knowledge with others. Participants will learn the keys to successful gardening in high elevation environments. The 15-week course covers basic botany, soils, plant propagation, plant problem diagnosis, insect management, pruning, fruit tree care, vegetable gardening, ornamental plants, composting and urban forestry.

The Master Gardener course will meet Tuesdays from 1:00-4:30 p.m. starting February 2 at the Coconino Public Health Bldg. 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. Registration for the program is $200.

Class participants become Coconino Master Gardeners by volunteering 50 hours of community service providing horticultural information, advice and support. Possible projects include: answering garden questions, staffing a table at the community market, writing articles for the newspaper, giving presentations on gardening, assisting local schools and non-profit organizations with gardening expertise, or volunteering at an arboretum. The Master Gardener Program is offered through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Contact Coconino Cooperative Extension at 774-1868, ext. 110, to request an application or for more information, or e-mail bgobble@email.arizona.edu. Class size is limited.

Classes will also begin in Page on Feb. 1. Contact the Extension for details.