Interested in gardening? Join Extension training program

Submitted by University of Illinois Extension Kane County

The University of Illinois Extension of Kane County will begin a new season of its Master Gardener training program with an informational meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at its office in St. Charles.

“Master Gardeners are a diverse group of community-oriented folks with a desire to learn new things and the ability to share that new found knowledge,” said program Coordinator Sarah Fellerer.

“You don’t have to be experienced gardener to qualify. If you are looking at a way to serve the community and learn more about horticulture, this may be the opportunity for you.”

In Kane County, Master Gardeners reach into the communities through the Speakers Bureau and with service projects in partnership with local organizations, Fellerer said. Master Gardeners also work the Master Gardener Help Desk by answering the phone line and assisting residents who come to the office with garden and landscape questions, she said.

The Master Gardener program requires 60 hours of horticultural training in return for 60 hours of volunteer time to support the Master Gardener Program.

Thirty of the first 60 volunteer hours must be completed at the Master Gardener Help Desk, which is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday during the growing season.

The 2014 training program will begin Jan. 7 and run through March 25. Classes will be from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the University of Illinois Extension office in Yorkville.

Core topics include: basic botany, soils and fertilizers, vegetables, woody ornamental plants, large and small fruits, insects and disease diagnosis, pesticide safety and herbaceous plants (perennials).

A program fee of $250 covers the training costs and includes a copy of the award-winning Illinois Master Gardener Manual.

“I encourage anyone curious about the Master Gardener program to attend our October meeting,” Fellerer said. “Our wonderful corps of Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about the program and share their experiences.”

The meeting will be at the Kane County Extension office at 535 S. Randall Road in St. Charles. To register, email Sarah Fellerer at fellerer@illinois.edu or call (630) 584-6166. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, mention at registration.

For information on the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program in Kane County, contact Fellerer or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.