Usu Gardening Extension Provo Utah

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Master Gardener Programs in Utah.

Log onto http://extension.usu.edu/ for information on any Extension Service office in Utah.

Weber, Box Elder and Cache County programs start this month.

Advanced Master Gardener programs start in Salt Lake County and at Thanksgiving Gardens Call (801) 768-7443 for the classes at Thanksgiving Gardens.

Washington, Kane and Sevier counties are also starting this month.

Utah State University Extension Service is looking for a few good gardeners. Actually you do not even have to be particularly knowledgeable about growing plants you just need to want to learn. The way to learn is through the Master Gardener Program.

Master Gardeners take an intensive set of classes that cover a wide range of horticulture topics. The class include basic plant science, insects, diseases, soils, fertilizers, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and many other subjects. In return for the classes, the participants agree to donate back time to Utah State University to help others with gardening needs.

If that seems a little intimidating, don=t let it be. The classes are taught by teachers who want to you to learn and want you to have fun while you learn. During one class you might be looking at insects, the next night you might be testing your soil and the next you might be selecting flowers for your own garden.

As interesting and helpful as the classes might be, the volunteering after the classes is even better. Finding your niche on how you can best help others is a part of the concept of master gardening.

A good part of my career as an Extension horticulturist for Utah State University has been spent teaching, working with, advising and learning from Master Gardeners in many counties throughout the state. Few parts of my job have been as satisfying as those relationships that I have formed and those things I have learned. It is a concept that helps those who learn and those who teach.

For some 25 years, the program has been helping gardeners throughout the State.

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the classes is getting to meet other gardeners with similar interests. You might never know about the kindred spirit who grows the same exotic plants that you are growing until you take the class.

Every Master Gardener has their own story about why they become involved in the program. For some their love of gardening motivates them to want to volunteer to help others. Other find that their desire to help others triggers a love of garden that motivates them to literally dig in and learn what they need to teach others.