WVU Extension Master Gardener training, typically offered through in-person courses organized by WVU Extension offices around the state, will once again be available online via Zoom sessions.
Something we learned through this COVID-induced way of conducting our training is that many people found it very appealing and wanted to have the online training opportunity again this fall. Some counties are starting to offer in-person sessions, but given the volatility of the COVID situation, the best approach is to have a hybrid platform.
WVU Extension will continue offering online Master Gardener training classes for the spring, beginning on March 3 through June 30. Classes will be held every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
A few training sessions will still be offered in-person. Sessions, like the introductory class, might be offered in-person to allow those in the class to meet and interact with one another. Other sessions, such as plant propagation, pruning and student presentations, might also be offered in-person, if possible. Think of it as having a "lab" that goes along with the “classroom curriculum.”
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 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
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information
about joining the meeting.
Spring 2022 topics and speakers include:
March 3
Introduction to EMG Program – Chapter 1 – 3 hours
- History of Extension & Master Gardening with Brian Sparks, WVU Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent – Nicholas and Fayette Counties
- Introduction to Extension Master Gardener Program from Mira Danilovich, WVU
Extension Specialist – Consumer Horticulture
March 10
Basic Principals of Pruning – Chapter 14 – 3 hours
- Learn the art and science of pruning. Why do you need to prune, how often,
when, and how? These are some of the basic approaches you will get to hear
about with Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Specialist – Consumer Horticulture
March 17
An Introduction to Plant Science: Botany – Chapter 3 – 3 hours
- 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 presented by Jeanne Rushin, New River Master Gardener
March 24
An Introduction to Soil Science – Chapter 8 – 3 hours
- Learn about 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 thus optimal environment for
the plant development and growth, and more with Emily Morrow, WVU Extension
Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent – Jefferson County
March 31
The Art of Bonsai – Chapter 17 – 1 hour
- An introduction to the ancient art of cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a small, shallow container from Randy Rader, Kanawha County Master Gardener
Indoor Plants – 2 hours
- Presented by Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Specialist – Consumer Horticulture
April 7
Plant Diseases – Chapter 7 – 3 hours
- 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 with Mahfuz
Rahman, WVU Extension Specialist – Plant Pathology
April 14
Turfgrass Management – Chapter 9 – 3 hours
- Provides instructions from proper grass selection for the given area to establishment
and maintenance of a healthy and vigorous lawn presented by Rakesh Chandran,
WVU Extension Specialist – Weed Science
April 21
Plant Propagation – Chapter 4 – 2 hours
- An introduction to the process of sexual and asexual plant multiplication to increase their numbers, perpetuate the species and/or cultivars with Brandy Brabham, WVU Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent – Roane County
Grafting – 1 hour
- One of the vegetative propagation techniques from Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension
Specialist – Consumer Horticulture
April 28
Tree Fruits – Chapter 12 – 3 hours
- An introduction to fruit tree establishment considerations, site, rootstock,
variety, insect and disease complex, and mineral nutrition with Mira Danilovich,
WVU Extension Specialist – Consumer Horticulture
May 5
Herbs – 1.5 hours
- An overview of various herbs’ origins and uses presented by Rosalie Bares, EMG, Berkeley/Jefferson
Pollinators – 1.5 hours
- Presented by Mary Beth Bennett, WVU Extension Agriculture & Natural
Resources Agent – Berkeley County
May 12
An Introduction to Entomology – Chapter 6 – 3 hours
- 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 with Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension Specialist – Entomology
May 19
Woody Ornamentals – Chapter 18 – 3 hours
- Learn about selecting and caring for woody ornamental plants, including native
species and invasive plants from Karen Cox, WVU Extension Agriculture &
Natural Resources Agent – Ohio County
May 26
Pesticides & Pest Management – Chapter 5 – 3 hours
- 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 with Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension Specialist – Entomology
June 2
Landscape Design – Chapter 16 – 3 hours
- Considerations for a good, well-balanced landscape design from Jeanne Rushin,
New River Master Gardener
June 9
Vegetable Gardening – Chapter 10 – 3 hours
- An introduction to vegetable gardening, covering topics from planning and
establishments to maintenance and harvest presented by Lewis Jett, WVU
Extension Specialist – Commercial Horticulture
June 16
West Virginia Native Plants – Chapter 22 – 3 hours
- An introduction to some of the wildflowers and woody ornamental natives with David Davis, WV Botanical Garden Gardener
June 23
Wildlife Management – Chapter 20 – 3 hours
- An overview of wildlife friends and foes presented by Sheldon Owen, WVU Extension Specialist – Wildlife
June 30
Small Fruits – Chapter 13 – 3 hours
- 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 with Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Specialist – Consumer Horticulture