Master Gardener course will begin next month

Applications are being accepted through Jan. 12 for the 2010 WSU Master Gardener Class.

Master Gardeners are trained community volunteers who provide science-based information on horticulture and environmentally sound gardening practices.

Classes will be Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m., Jan. 19 through April 27 at the Clarkston Campus of Walla Walla Community College.

A few of the classes may be at WSU or U of I, or at local nurseries. Presenters will be WSU and U of I faculty and local horticultural experts.

Course topics will include basic botany, entomology, integrated pest management, plant disease and plant diagnostics, soils and fertilizers, composting, weed management, woody and herbaceous plants, pruning, lawn care, home orchards and small fruits, vegetable gardening and sustainable landscape design.

Registration cost will be $130 per person and include access to the program’s new on-line training modules.

A $50 refund will be given to each Master Gardener that gives back 40 hours of service to their local extension office during the year following completion of the course in April.

For more information, contact the Whitman County or Asotin County WSU extension offices.

Application forms are available in the Whitman office in the Public Service Building in Colfax.