Master Gardener training program to be offered by Mississippi State University Extension Service
Published 7:00 am Saturday, January 13, 2018
A Master Gardener training program is being offered by Mississippi State University Extension Service that will educate interested parties about the subject of horticulture.
The training will take place every Tuesday and Thursday starting Feb. 20 and last until March. 28. Each class takes place from 1 to 5 p.m.
Dr. Eddie Smith, Extension Agent for Pearl River County, said the course allows anyone interested in gardening to participate in several landscaping projects taking place across the community, assist with research projects, conduct plant clinics and participate in several gardening projects.
Smith said in order to become a certified Master Gardner, participation in the training program is mandatory.
According to a release from Mississippi State University Extension Service, the program provides more than 40 hours of classroom training by professors from the university about botany, soil, vegetables, ornamentals, insects and diseases and lawn care.
Smith said the lectures would be conducted via an interactive video system similar to Skype, where professors will provide presentations and answer questions posed by the participants.
When the training is complete, students will be required to take a written test based on the topics covered in class.
Once they pass the written test, another 40 hours of community service will be required before participants can become certified Master Gardeners.
Smith said this is a good opportunity for individuals interested in gardening to learn about it.
“Anybody interested in gardening and would like to give back to the community and at the same time would like to assist the extension service in providing educational programs to the public should enroll in the program,” Smith said.
There is a $100 registration fee to enroll that will cover all handouts and materials required for the class and dues required by the local and state Master Gardener Association. The deadline to pay the fee and register for the program is Feb. 2
For more information about the program contact Smith at 601-403-2280.
