Master gardener program in Mercer starts in Oct.

Staff report

MERCER

The Mercer County Master Gardener program will begin its 2015 training class Oct. 1, and classes run every Thursday (except for the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s) from 6 to 9 p.m. until March 10, 2016.

In exchange for training, master gardeners serve as volunteers in educating the public on the best practices in consumer horticulture.

The cost of the classes, which includes a manual and all materials, is $175. Classes will take place at the Penn State University Extension office, state Route 19.

To be accepted into the program, participants must complete and submit the master gardener application.

Applications will be accepted until Sept. 3. Applicants need not be expert gardeners, but should have some familiarity with gardening. A strong commitment to volunteer service is a must. Class size is limited. All applicants will be interviewed.

To be a master gardener, participants must successfully complete at least 40 hours of in-depth training in topics such as soils, botany, entomology, plant pathology, IPM, woody ornamentals, propagation, turf, plant diagnostics, vegetables and pruning.

Additionally, participants must fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year, maintain the status yearly by preforming at least 20 volunteer hours and attend at least 10 hours of continuing education.

For information or to receive an application, call the PSU Extension office at 724-662-3141 or email MercerExt@psu.edu.