What does a Master Gardener training involve? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question What does a Master Gardener training involve?
Answer The specific details vary from county to county. Approximately 88 out of 100 counties in North Carolina have Master Gardener programs. Although there are similarities between counties, there are also many differences. Having flexibility to be different allows each county to custom fit their Master Gardener program and training to their horticulture agent and the needs of that county.
The training is approximately 40 hours long. In most counties, it is spread over a 13 week period. It covers a wide range of scientific and practical topics like lawn care, pest management, propagation, soils, vegetables, houseplants and much more. Like any other training, real learning happens when this knowledge is applied. The Master Gardener program gives you a chance to apply your knowledge to horticultural projects in your county.
Most folks are only interested in the training part of the Master Gardener program. They don't realize the wonderful, yet intense, training is only the beginning. The Master Gardener program is actually a volunteer program. In lieu of payment, each trainee will be expected to donate 40 hours of volunteer time towards Master Gardener projects over the next year. Master Gardeners are horticulturally trained volunteers that work with their county horticulture Extension agent. While people usually join to obtain the training, they end up enjoying the service aspect. It's like joining the Peace Corps with all the comforts of home and no malaria.
While the Master Gardener program may be more like the Peace Corps, the training is more like military “boot camp.” You don't have to do pushups or run, but it is simply the tip of the horticulture iceberg. While you learn a tremendous amount, you also get a grasp on how much you don’t know. New recruits are sometimes intimidated by the training and the drill sergeant (hort agent), but by the end of the 13 weeks most folks have more confidence in themselves and their hort agent. Harnett County usually starts a new class of brave recruits in February. Most of them make it through the 13 week boot camp.
Horticulture is an applied science. The fun is certainly in the application. Sowing and reaping is the theme of the Master Gardener program on many levels. For more info on Master Gardeners, visit this website http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/hortinternet/master_gardener.html If you do not have internet access, call us at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org
Harnett County's Master Gardener training (boot camp) will begin on 15 February. The classes will be on Thursday mornings from 9 to 12. Call our office to register. A willingness to learn is the only requirement. Remember, I guarantee our Master Gardener training to be malaria free and no deployment to Iraq.
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
