Master Gardener training open for spring 2022

Registration for Master Gardener training is now open.

MSU Extension Service is offering Master Gardener training and certification online Mar. 15 to May 15. Instruction for all classes is online and self-paced. The course includes 40 hours of instruction in consumer horticulture and related topics to become expert volunteers. Registration is open Feb. 1-28.

Master Gardeners is a national organization of trained volunteers who assist local extension offices in providing research-based information on horticulture to benefit their communities.

Cost of the Master Gardener training is $125. Topics of instruction include basic botany, soils, ornamental plants, fruits and nuts, vegetables, lawns, plant diseases, entomology, weed science, plant propagation, and invasive plants. In exchange for the 40 hours of education certified volunteers agree to provide 40 hours of service within a year of their training. To maintain certification volunteers continue to receive 12 hours of education and log a minimum of 20 hours of service each year.

Warren County Master Gardeners currently has 49 active members.

Projects include:

• Maintaining the Heritage Garden in the Vicksburg National Military Park
• Maintaining the Butterfly Garden at the playground on Catfish Row
• Maintaining the Shade Garden at the MSU Agriculture Experiment Station at Crystal Springs
• Disbursing horticulture information each week at the Vicksburg Farmers Market
• Providing a speakers bureau for local organizations
• One on one technical support on horticulture problems to assist the Warren County Extension Office

To learn more or register for the spring 2022 training go to http://msuext.ms/mg, or call the local MSU Extension Office at 601-636-5442.