WVU Extension Service Master Gardener training is typically offered through in-person courses organized by WVU Extension Service offices around the state. Due to the persistent risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified how we will work with our clientele through the fall. WVU Extension Service will continue offering online Master Gardener training classes for the fall, beginning on August 20, 2020.
Please note that all interested participants will still have to go through their local WVU Extension office to sign up for the program and complete all necessary paperwork. All prospective trainees must undergo the WVU Extension Service volunteer selection process. This process includes a background check, references and an interview.
Learn more about the WVU Extension Master Gardener Program online:
https://extension.wvu.edu/master-gardener-program
Fall 2020 Master Gardener Training Schedule
|
Week |
Date |
Topic |
Description |
Instructor |
Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
8/20 |
Introduction to EMG Program |
History of Extension & Master Gardening |
Mira
|
2 |
|
2
|
8/27 |
Introduction to Plant Science-Botany |
Introduction to the classification of plants and their nomenclature. Learn about plant parts and their function. Get to know basic principles of plant physiology, environmental factors influencing plant development and growth, and plant nutrition. |
Jeanne Rushin, New River Master Gardener |
3 |
|
3 |
9/3 |
Entomology |
Get to know the basics of the bug world. Learn how to tell apart the “good guys” from the non-welcomed visitors to our gardens. Learn to recognize the symptoms of various insect injuries and the best methods for their control. |
Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Entomology |
3 |
|
4 |
9/10 |
Turfgrass Management |
Provides instructions from proper grass selection for the given area to establishment and maintenance of a healthy and vigorous lawn. |
Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Consumer Horticulture |
2 |
|
5 |
9/10 |
Herbs |
An overview of various herbs’ origins and uses. |
Rosalie Bares, EMG, Berkeley/Jefferson |
1 |
|
|
9/17 |
Soil Science |
Learn about the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, learn all about essential elements and their role, learn how to take a sample for testing and how to interpret lab results and use them to correct certain parameters to maintain nutritional balance and thus, an optimal environment for the plant’s development and growth, and more. |
Emily Morrow, WVU Extension Service Agent – Jefferson County |
3 |
|
7 |
9/24 |
Pesticides and Pest Management |
Develop an understanding of pesticide labels, their formulations, safe use of pesticides, safe storage of pesticides, alternatives to pesticides, principles of integrated pest management (IPM), environmental impact of pesticides and more. |
Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Entomology |
3 |
|
8 |
10/1 |
Plant Propagation |
An introduction to the processes of sexual and asexual plant multiplication to increase their numbers, perpetuate the species and/or cultivars. |
Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Consumer Horticulture |
3 |
|
9
|
10/8 |
Indoor Plants |
Learn about selecting the plants, transporting them, acclimatization, environmental needs, selecting proper containers, repotting, training and grooming, caring for potted plants, plants with specific light, temperature and cultural requirements, and insect and disease complex. |
Randy Rader, Kanawha County Master Gardener |
1.75 |
| 9 |
10/8 |
The Art of Bonsai |
An introduction to the ancient art of cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a small, shallow container. |
Randy Rader, Kanawha County Master Gardener |
1.25 |
|
10 |
10/15 |
Landscape Design |
Considerations for a good, well-balanced landscape design. |
Jeanne Rushin, EMG New River MG Association |
3 |
|
11 |
10/22 |
Plant Diseases |
An introduction to the most common plant diseases and environmental conditions favoring disease development. Learn how to recognize common symptoms and their causes as well as ways for their prevention and control. |
Mahfuz Rahman, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Plant Pathology |
3 |
|
12 |
10/27 |
Wildlife Management |
An overview of wildlife friends and foes. |
Sheldon Owen, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Wildlife |
3 |
|
13 |
10/29 |
Woody Ornamentals |
Learn about selecting and caring for woody ornamental plants, including native species and invasive plants. |
Karen Cox, WVU Extension Service Agent – Ohio County |
3 |
|
14 |
11/5 |
Tree Fruits |
An introduction to fruit tree establishment considerations, site, rootstock, variety, insect and disease complex, and mineral nutrition. |
Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Consumer Horticulture |
3 |
|
15 |
11/12 |
Small Fruits |
An introduction to growing blueberries, grapes, brambles, strawberries, gooseberries, currents, elderberries and other less common small fruit, covering topics from establishment, insect and disease complex management to mineral nutrition considerations. |
Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Consumer Horticulture |
3 |
|
16
|
11/19 |
Vegetable Gardening |
An introduction from vegetable gardening, covering topics from planning and establishments to maintenance and harvest. |
Lewis Jett, WVU Extension Service Specialist – Commercial Horticulture |
3 |