Master Gardener classes about to commence locally

A new Master Gardener class will be starting on Aug. 20.

Everyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener may contact me soon so I can set aside a place for you in the class. The class has limited space.

Purpose of the Purdue Master Gardener Program is to teach people more about growing plants and to more effectively extend information related to plants. Its specific aim is to provide information and technical assistance in the areas of gardening and home horticulture through the use of trained and certified volunteers.

After acceptance into the Master Gardener Program, participants receive training in the following areas: Plant Science, Plant Nutrition, Soil Science, Plant Disease, Insect Pests, Weeds, Pesticide Safety/Pesticide Alternatives, Woody Ornamentals, Vegetable Gardening, Herbaceous Ornamentals, Home Lawns, Animal Pests, Herbs, Food Preservation, Pollination, Home Fruit Production, Indoor Gardening and Yard Waste Management.

To be part of the next series of Master Gardener classes, persons may contact the Putnam County Extension Office and say they are interested in the Master Gardner Class for fall 2014. They will have to complete an application form and return it to the Putnam County Extension Office.

Classes, which meet every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., will last 12 weeks from Aug. 20 to Nov 5.

To become a full-fledged Master Gardener, the program requires you to volunteer for a minimum of 35 hours. Throughout the classes, there are opportunities to gain hours even before you have finished your class work.

Contact the office for the application or see the staff at the fair at Harris Hall to pick up your application.

The Putnam County Master Gardener Association has offered to give a rebate to the class participants who have finished the class. The class includes the Master Gardener manual new this year, professionals in the horticulture industry as speakers and many handouts.

The cost is around $110. Family rates apply. Applications will be taken until Aug. 15.

If you have any questions or need more information, persons may contact Ann Delchambre at Purdue Extension Putnam County, 653-8411 or email adelchambre@purdue.edu.

Upcoming Events

July 18-25 -- 2014 Putnam County Fair.

July 27 -- Indiana State Fair 4-H projects entered, 3-7 p.m.

July 28 --- Indiana State Fair 4-H projects entered, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

July 30 --- Indiana State Fair 4-H Food project entered, 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m.

Aug. 1-17 -- Indiana State Fair.

Aug. 20 -- Master Gardener classes start in Putnam County.