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Horticulture & Gardening

How to Become a Master Gardener

The Oregon State Master Gardener™ program in Klamath County emphasizes plant-based education, environmental stewardship, responsible home gardening, and community food partnerships. Through a variety of community outreach activities, trained volunteers extend research-based gardening information to citizens throughout Klamath County.  Volunteers receive extensive classroom instruction in botany, soil science, insect and disease identification, pruning, organic gardening practices, soil fertility, grafting, and a host of other classes specific to gardening in Klamath County.

How do I apply for the 2010 Class?

To become a Master Gardener, you need to fill out and submit an application for the 2010 class.  After applications are reviewed, applicants may be invited for a short interview.  Following acceptance into the program, the Master Gardener trainee begins the core training.  Class topics include botany, soils, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, grasses, entomology, and host of other gardening subjects.  Classes are taught by Oregon State University faculty, certified Master Gardeners and area specialists.  Classes are held at the OSU Extension office located at 3328 Vandenberg Road, one day a week, on Wednesdays, beginning at the end of February and continuing through mid-May.  Space is limited.  There are two options: 

  • OSU Master Gardener™ Trainee                                              $175 (plus 40+ volunteer hours)

     Cost includes textbook, 12-week training session, handouts, and OSU Master Gardener™ badge

  • OSU Master Gardener™ Certificate holder                          $350 (no volunteer hours)

        Cost includes textbook, training session, handouts, and OSU Master Gardener™certificate

Upon successful completion of the classroom training units and passing the final exam, trainees become a Master Gardener intern, working alongside veteran Master Gardeners.  The internship consists of fulfilling volunteer hours approximately equal to the number of hours of classroom training received (40-plus hours).  During the internship, trainees are paired with veteran Master Gardeners who will assist them through the training program and during volunteer service.  

Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities

Once the trainee has successfully completed the training program and has become an intern, he or she may begin their volunteer service requirement.  Volunteer hours include a variety of activities.  Some volunteering opportunities include:  Junior Master Gardener summer camps; community gardening projects; staffing plant clinics at the OSU Extension office and during community events; greenhouse education; speaking to local groups about home gardening; working on community beautification projects; working with local schools to enhance horticulture education; answering gardening questions at such events as Migratory Bird Day, Saturday Market, Farm Expo, county fairs, OIT Arboretum. 

Who We Are

Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who enjoy gardening and working with other like-minded individuals.  You may consider applying for the 2010 training if:

  • You are willing to learn about the art and science of gardening and sharing this knowledge with others
  • You have some knowledge or experience in gardening (you do not need to be an expert)
  • You enjoy working with others
  • You are eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program

Oregon State University Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center increasingly uses trained volunteers to distribute horticultural information to citizens throughout our county, state, and outlying areas.  We serve Klamath and Lake Counties, as well as areas of northern California. 

OSU Master Gardeners in Klamath County participate in a variety of community programs related to horticulture.

Garden Tips--Too many green beans? 

In this episode of Garden Tips, Dr. Ken Magee will explain how you can make the most of your green beans.

  

 

OSU Extension Klamath

New Master Gardener On-Line Training Information . . . .

 

More Gardening Resources . . .

For assistance with identifying and controlling plant pests, please visit:

 

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