Topics covered in the Level 1 Master Gardener Program include: an introduction to Montana State University Extension and the Master Gardener Program, soils and fertility, plant growth and development, flower and vegetable gardening, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs; an introduction to proper pruning and maintaining lawns; and an introduction to integrated pest management.
http://www.msuextension.org/gallatin/mastergardener.html
There are two options for this class. The Certification track and the Non-certification track. Both tracks include the Montana Master Gardener Handbook. The Certification track costs $180 and requires passing an open book test and completing 20 hours of community volunteer commitment by May 1, 2017 to be considered a certified Master Gardener. If you do not meet the volunteer commitment you will be charged the non-certification track price. The Non-certification track costs $250 and participants do not need to take a test or complete volunteer hours, but they will not be considered certified Master Gardeners.
The volunteer commitment may include activities such as answering questions at the local farmer’s market, assisting local garden groups, volunteering at local community gardens, donating time and food to the local food banks and pantries, and other horticulture-based volunteer projects. Projects will be discussed in more detail in class.
To sign up for the Gallatin County MSU Extension Master Gardener Level 1 program beginning Monday, January 18, 2016, call the Gallatin County MSU Extension office at (406) 388-3213 or visit us at 201 West Madison, Ste. 300, in Belgrade.
