Master Gardener Program
2013 Master Gardener Training
January 15 – May 7, 2013
Tuesdays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2013 Alaska Master Gardener Conference
Backyard Food Security
April 6, 2013, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Palmer Community Center (Palmer Depot).
610 S. Valley Way, Palmer, AK 99645
Keynote speaker: Tim Meyers of Meyer's Farm, Bethel, Alaska.
General Class Information
Beginning Master Gardener Volunteer Requirements
Class absence make-up opportunities-COMING SOON!
Class Presentations and Resources:
Week 1-Basic Botany and Plant ID
An Introduction to Botany
Plant Nomenclature and Identification
Week 2- Soils and Fertilizers
Introduction to Soils
Using Fertilizers to Feed Plants
Natural Sources of N-P-K
Week 3-Basic Entomology and IPM
Basic Entomology
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Insect and IPM Resources
Week 4- Organic Growing and Home Composting
Organic Growing
Home Composting
Organic and Composting Resources
Week 5- Seed Starting and Season Extension
Seed Starting and Season Extension
Organic Seed Sources from Oceanside Farms
Soil Mixes for Starting Seeds
Colored Plastic Mulches
Plastic Mulches in Alaska
Common Vegetables for Alaskan Gardens
Week 6- Vegetable Varieties and Irrigation Options
Vegetable Varieties for SC Alaska
Drip Irrigation
Trees and Small Fruits
Common Beneficial Insects of PNW
Week 7- Weed Control and Pesticide Safety
Week 8- Perennial Ornamentals, Lawns and Pruning
Week 9- No Class
Week 10- Herbaceous Plants and Container Gardening
Week 11-Raised Bed Gardening and Hightunnel Growing
Week 12- No Class
Week 13- Plant Disease and Vertebrate Pest Management
Week 14- Plant Problem Diagnostics and University Resources
Week 15- Protecting Water Quality and Preserving the Harvest
Week 16- Local Resources
Week 17- Local Tour
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener volunteers provide leadership and educational services to the community in home horticulture. Volunteer service is a large component of the Master Gardener Program and applicants must be interested not only in improving their own skills and knowledge, but also in sharing their knowledge with others. Anyone with an interest in horticulture and helping others may apply for the Master Gardener Program. Even beginning gardeners are welcome!
What is Master Gardener training?
Forty hours of intensive horticultural training is offered for those interested in becoming Master Gardeners. The classes are held weekly, Tuesday evenings from January through May.
Classes are taught by University of Alaska Fairbanks professors as well as horticultural professionals from our community.
Even if you’re not interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, you are still welcome to take the class for your own personal benefit.
What is involved in being a Master Gardener?
While anyone can take the class to increase their own knowledge about the many different areas of horticulture and gardening, those interested in becoming Master Gardeners will need to complete an additional questionnaire and interview. Once selected as a Master Gardener, participants are required to complete 40 hours of hands-on volunteer service in their community in addition to the 40 hours of horticultural training. Volunteer services may consist of answering gardening questions by phone or in person, giving horticultural talks, assisting with community beautification projects, planting demonstration gardens, introducing children to gardening, gardening with seniors and other related activities. Not sure how best to volunteer? Don’t worry, UAF Cooperative Extension Service personnel can help you decide how best to use your talents!
When should I apply?
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting in early November of 2012, an application will be available through the Kenai Peninsula District website. To request that an application be sent directly to you, please call 907-262-5824 or email lclayton2@alaska.edu.
Applications must be submitted to the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Kenai Peninsula District office (43961 K-Beach Rd., Soldotna, AK 99669) by close of business on December 21, 2012.
What is the cost of the training?
The entire course costs $150 and payment can be paid the first day of class. A refund of $40 will be given to each individual that gives back 40 hours of volunteer service as a Master Gardener.
For more information contact:
Lydia Clayton, UAF Extension Agent
43961 K-Beach Rd, Suite A
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone: (907)262-5824
E-mail: lclayton2@alaska.edu
Web: www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/kenai