WVU Extension Master Gardener training, which used to be offered through in-person courses organized by WVU Extension offices around the state, will once again be available online via Zoom sessions.
WVU Extension will continue offering online Master Gardener training classes for late winter/spring 2024 term, beginning on January 11 through May 2. Classes will be held every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
A total of 51 hours of training will be delivered through 16 sessions.
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 landscape assessments, 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
Winter/Spring 2024 topics and speakers include:
January 11
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
January 18
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 Brian Wickline, WVU Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent – Monroe County
January 25
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
February 1
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
February 8
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
February 15
Wildlife Management – Chapter 20 – 3 hours
- An overview of wildlife friends and foes presented by Sheldon Owen, WVU Extension Specialist – Wildlife
February 22
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
February 29
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 7
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
March 14
Landscape Design – Chapter 16 – 3 hours
- Considerations for a good, well-balanced landscape design from Jeanne Rushin, New River Master Gardener
March 21
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
March 28
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 4
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
April 18
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 25
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
May 5
Turf and Weed 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