The University of Tennessee and Master Gardeners of Hamilton County announce that registration is open for the Spring 2021 Master Gardener Training Course. Classes will be held online via Zoom for 15 consecutive weeks from February through May.
In addition to class presentations, there will be special opportunities for hands-on experience. Each participant will receive a package with books and other materials.
There are two class options: Monday evenings beginning Feb. 8 from 6-9 p.m. and Tuesday mornings beginning Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. Classes will be presented live via Zoom and will be recorded for repeat viewing. Mentors will be available online throughout to answer questions and offer individual assistance to all participants.
The cost of the Master Gardener Training Course is $160 per person or $240 for couples sharing materials. The fee covers the classes along with a comprehensive information handbook, numerous handouts, and much more. Applications can be obtained at the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County website: www.mghc.org/become-a-master-gardener or by calling the Hamilton County Extension Office: 855-6113.
The UT / Master Gardener Training Course is open to both experienced and beginning gardeners and offers the highest quality instructors imparting current, research-based information on topics related to home gardening and landscaping, said officials. Subjects to be covered in the 15-week course include soil and water management, mulch and fertilizers, controlling pests and plant diseases, basic landscaping, vegetable, flower and herb gardening, understanding native plants, attracting wildlife, beekeeping and other related gardening issues.
Extension Agent Tom Stebbins said, "With this past year’s pandemic keeping everyone at home, people turned to gardening in their own backyards for diversion. By offering our Master Gardener Training Class via Zoom, we can reach people in a responsible way, and hopefully we will be able to resume our usual volunteer activities later in the year. Over the 15-week course, participants will be introduced to the most up-to-date information about gardening and landscaping techniques presented by UT Extension specialists and local experts in horticulture.
"Experienced Master Gardeners serve as mentors and guides to the many volunteer activities undertaken by MGHC members all around Hamilton County. In addition to 40 hours of informative lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experience, trainees attend MG meetings and earn both volunteer hours and education credits toward becoming Certified Master Gardeners. We look forward to meeting new Master Gardeners at this year’s classes and welcoming them into our community.”
For more information about MGHC activities, visit www.mghc.org.