Submitted by Gail Reynolds.
(October 13, 2020) — The UConn Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for the Haddam-based Saturday morning class beginning in January 2021. Due to the pandemic, the classroom section of the program will be fully online.
Students enrolled in this program receive training in an extensive range of horticultural and environmental topics, including botany, plant pathology, entomology, integrated pest management (IPM), herbaceous and woody ornamentals, edibles, turfgrass, invasive plants, and diagnostic techniques for the home gardener.
Program requirements:
- 100+ class hours. Classroom training includes approximately three hours of online material as well as one half-day per week for 16 weeks, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, January – April 2021
- 30 hours of supervised service answering the public’s horticultural questions and researching gardening problems (may or may not be virtual in 20201) and 30 hours outreach on approved educational outreach and/or community project(s); both to be completed by the end of September 2021
- Subject quizzes and graded mid-term exam
- Tree/Shrub/Vine identification and research project due by the end of August 2021
- Attendance at one of five summer diagnostic practice sessions
- Final diagnostic exam at the end of in-service training
- Final essay due at the end of September 2021
Most UConn Extension Master Gardeners find the class to be a life-changing experience!
“Individuals become master gardeners because they are interested in gardening and, most importantly, learning more about the science behind good gardening practices. In addition, the collegiality of master gardeners allows us to share our knowledge with the public at many outreach venues,” according to Ken Sherrick, 2013 graduate of the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program in Middlesex County.
For additional information on the program and to apply online or download the application, please visit https://mastergardener.uconn.edu/2020/08/15/applications-now-being-accepted-for-the-2021-uconn-master-gardener-program/
