Adams County Master Gardener applications open for Spring 2017 training

Save to Favorites

Master Gardener Spring Classes to begin in January 2017

The Colorado Master Gardener program in Adams County is taking applications for the spring 2017 class, which will be held at The Ranch in Loveland on Fridays from January 13 - March 31 st.

Master Gardeners are part of the outreach program of Colorado State University; a statewide network of faculty and staff that provides lifelong educational programs for all Coloradans in their local communities using research based information.

Participants receive intensive training in horticulture through 10 weeks of classes taught by Colorado State University professors, specialists and agents. Beginning with basic botany, the program focuses on plant health issues such as soil composition, plant selection and care, disease diagnosis and insect identification and control. Topics also include water-wise gardening, home vegetable and fruit production, turf management, irrigation, flower, tree care and plant care during drought.

In the first year, Colorado Master Gardener apprentices return 50 hours of volunteer time to the program during the growing season. Volunteers help the community by staffing the Master Gardener office, staffing clinic sites at community events, as well as planting and maintaining community demonstration gardens. After the first year, Colorado Master Gardeners are required to attend 12 hours of continuing education and give 24 hours of volunteer service a year.

The Colorado Master Gardener program can also be a stepping stone toward a career in horticulture. Recognized by the green industry as a great vocational education course, the Colorado Master Gardener program is open to anyone. Many people considering a career in the green industry start with master gardener training as an all-around introduction to advanced plant care. There is also a non-volunteer option available for a higher tuition rate.

If gaining knowledge about plants and helping others through horticulture is of interest to you, the Colorado Master Gardener program is an ideal volunteer choice. Contact the Colorado State University Extension office in Adams County at 303.637.8103 or email Cassey Anderson at cmanderson@adcogov.org for more information or an application. We look forward to hearing from all who are interested and encourage you to join this fun group of hard working volunteers. The deadline for submitting your applications in Adams County is November 30 th so call soon!