Are You Interested in Gardening?

[Pompeii]

The Master Gardener Program Directly From a New Master Gardener

Bonnie Carrodus, Apprentice Master Gardener

Cheryl Shenkle, Certified Master Gardener, Coordinator

April 8, 2021

 

Are you a hobby gardener who would like to learn more about the “latest research” behind growing anything and everything?  Maybe you would like more information to start growing plants you’ve never grown before.  Are you that person who has never grown anything and has questions on just where to begin?  Do you enjoy sharing you gardening knowledge and experiences with others?   Then again, you might just want to meet a group of people with mutual gardening, learning and teaching interests.  If any of these statements describe you, you might be interested in applying to become a “Master Gardener”!

The “Master Gardener” program is part of your county Penn State University Extension program and is managed by a team of experts from Penn State University.  “It is designed to use the services of trained volunteers who have horticultural knowledge and a willingness to share that knowledge with other county residents through Penn State Extension.” 

As a new Master Gardener Apprentice, there are many avenues through which we are able to share our knowledge.  My favorites include the demonstration gardens that are located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, being able to assist teachers, 4-H volunteers and youth with gardening education projects.  Of course, along the way we will become more knowledgeable in our personal gardening experiences as well.

Our training begins with 40 hours of instruction, usually scheduled October through March each year.  This past year, because of Covid 19 restrictions, our classes were taught by Penn State instructors over “Zoom”.  I found all the classes to be very interesting, informative and enjoyable.

What do you think?  Would you like to know more about plant propagation, composting, bugs, both good and bad and how to manage them for the good of your garden, information on growing a vegetable garden, lawn care, pruning your trees and ornamental plants, native plants or grafting?  These are just a few of the topics you will learn more about.

Are you intrigued and would like more information?  Now is the time to make plans for classes starting this fall!  Everyone is invited to visit us this summer at the demonstration gardens and Fair Booth under the grandstands for interactive displays during the Jefferson County Fair.  Oh, and by the way, we invite you to contact us with your gardening questions through the Garden Hot line, whether you are considering joining our group or not.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Jefferson County will be holding a Summer Garden Workshop again this summer, finally!  While COVID has not beaten us, it sure did take a bite out of our ability to get together in groups for classes.  We will still be adhering to the COVID guidelines, which are loosening, so we are now permitted to start our classes in the garden.  Master Gardeners will teach each segment of the class on a subject near and dear to their heart.  Educational plantings will be established in raised soil-tested beds which are rotated annually for healthy plant development.  This process is an important part of the educational process in order to present classes such as Maintaining Soil Mycorrhizal Health, Water in the Garden, Weed Prevention in the Garden, What’s Good to Plant?, Container Gardening, Vining Crops, the Strawberry Salad Garden, Exotic Herbs, and everything from peanuts to Mountain Mint, and too much to list here.

Our Demonstration Garden at the Outdoor Learning Center is located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds off of I-80 at Route 28 North.  Access to the gardens is through the ticket gate and immediately to the right, beside the old Office Building.  Feel free to visit at any time but please do not disturb the plantings. Many projects are in the development stage, but if you have questions, please call for details.

If you would like to learn about Handicapped Accessible Gardening, then we have a great garden for you!  Call us for details.

If you would like to get on the waiting list to get an announcement of the class schedule, please leave your name, e-mail address and phone number, clearly spoken, on the Master Gardener extension at 814-849-7361.  E-mail contacts will receive the invitation first.  Phone calls will be answered when a volunteer is available to return the call.

Master Gardeners are available for group presentations.  Contact the office for specifics.

Certified Master Gardeners are local volunteers trained by Penn State to answer Horticulture questions with properly researched information. For a “best practices” answer to your question, call Penn State Jefferson County Extension at 849-7361, Ext 508, e-mail JeffersonMG@psu.edu, or mail your question to 186 Main Street, Suite 3, Brookville, PA 15825. 849-7361

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.