Have you ever looked at a dying plant in your yard and wondered what was wrong or wondered what time of year is best to plant carrots and beets? Have you had neighbors ask you questions about how to care for their plants and been unable to help them?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, enroll in the Master Gardener Volunteer Program this fall and learn the answers.
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is open to the public and offers classes on a variety of horticulture topics related to gardening in Yuma. At each session, a member of the agriculture community will give a presentation related to their field of expertise.
The next Master Gardener session begins Oct. 17 and runs until Feb. 13.
The program is sponsored by the U of A Cooperative Extension Office, 2200 W. 28th St. Stacey Bealmear, urban horticulturist, is in charge of the program. Classes are held at the Cooperative Extension office each Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
The deadline for registration is Oct. 3. Pick up an application at the U of A Cooperative Extension Office. Call 726-3904 if you have any questions.
A fee of $150 covers the cost of a required background check, an informative Master Gardener Handbook, two books about gardening in the desert (“Desert Landscaping for Beginners” and “Desert Gardening for Beginners”) and photocopying of any necessary class materials.
The classes run the gamut of gardening topics, such as soil conditions and how to improve them, beneficial and harmful insects, how to care for trees, how to grow cacti, how to grow citrus, proper irrigation techniques and techniques for successful vegetable gardens.
“Each year, the Master Gardener program is very popular,” Bealmear said. “The class fills up quickly, so come by the U of A Cooperative Extension Office and fill out an application. We have interesting guest speakers lined up and some special field trips planned. People who have taken the classes tell me that the program introduced them to a community of fellow gardeners they would not have met otherwise. It’s always great to meet new people who share your interest in gardening.”
Dalene Kelley, member of MGM Garden Club and Yuma African Violet and Orchid Society, earned her Master Gardener certificate several years ago.
“The classes were very informative,” Kelley said. “They helped me improve my gardening practices, and I now feel more confident advising others concerning their gardening problems. I would recommend the program to anyone interested in improving their gardening knowledge.”
Volunteer work is part of the Master Gardener program. Once a Master Gardener certificate is earned, Master Gardeners offer their services to local garden clubs, school gardens, or participate in other horticulture-related activities around town. They provide 50 hours of volunteer work during their first year of certification, with 15 of the 50 hours being a class project, which is part of the Master Gardener program.
“I think giving back to the community is the best reward our Master Gardeners receive from this program,” Bealmear said. “I look forward to meeting my new group of students on Oct. 17.”
Having taken the classes, I can highly recommend this program. Successful gardening in Yuma takes skill, luck and knowledge about what will and will not grow here. The Master Gardener program will give you the skill and knowledge for successful gardening. The luck is up to you!
Happy Gardening!
Karen Bowen is a master gardener and member of MGM Garden Club. This column is sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Yuma.
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