Become a Prince George’s County Master Gardener

Master Gardener training in Prince George’s County is starting soon – March 5 – and there ARE openings for this upcoming class.  Act soon, though – it’ll fill up.  Note that unlike other counties, Prince George’s training is given in the evening, so people with full-time jobs CAN get involved.

Purpose:  Maryland Master Gardeners are trained as volunteer horticultural experts, who go on to help Maryland residents grow food and beautiful gardens, and to do it in ways that protect and enhance the environment.

The Training:  Participants receive 50 hours of basic training from U. Maryland faculty staff and Master Gardeners, and then must complete 40 hours of volunteer service during the first year to become certified Master Gardeners.

2012 Spring Master Gardening Basic Training

Dates:  Monday, March 5th and every Monday and Wednesday until May 9th.

Time:   6:00 to 9:30 -p.m.

Place:  4-H Center, College Park, Maryland

Cost:  $200 for Prince George’s County residents.  $300 for non-county residents.

If you’re interested, contact Esther Mitchell at estherm@umd.edu or 301-868-8781 for an application.

After Becoming Certified:  Active Master Gardeners do 20 hours of volunteer service on approved projects and 10 hours of education each year.   It’s a great group of gardeners who provide training/workshops/talks at the libraries, Watkins Nature Center, Prince George’s Community College, government agencies and community groups, plus youth groups and schools.  They don’t do maintenance work, but will show clients how and when to do it.   They help schools put in a garden and get them started.  Coordinator Esther  Mitchell says that her motto is if you are not having fun, then you are in the wrong program.

In addition to their many demonstration gardens, the PG Master Gardeners are involved with these great teaching gardens:

• Sheridan Street Community Garden.   Located at the newly remodeled Center for Educational Partnership next to William Wirt Middle School in Riverdale, the garden has space for families to have their own plots to grow healthy food, as well as a youth garden where students from the neighborhood can learn how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables.  They also host trainings for Master Gardeners and the general public, and are holding an an event called Growing Community Gardens on March 24.  If you would like to get involved, contact Christie Balch at 301/779-2806, ext 706 or cbalch@umd.edu.

• Riverdale Mansion – The gardens and adjacent orchard feature many flowers and herbs, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables representative of the crops needed to support the large family, workers, and livestock living at Riverdale in the early 19^th century. If you would like to get involved please email Sarah Urdaneta at sycamoreaz@yahoo.com.

Advanced Training

To further Maryland Master Gardeners knowledge and to complete the requirement of 10 hours of advanced training each year, advanced training courses are offered periodically on subjects such as plant pathology, plant identification, landscape design, methods promoting sustainable gardening practices, and other areas of horticulture.

Maryland Master Gardener Annual Training Day

This is an all-day event designed specifically for Maryland Master Gardeners. There is a keynote speaker and several training classes on various topics. A sale area is available where MGs can purchase plants, MG products, and other items.

Posted by Susan Harris.