Master Gardener Classes Start In January

  • Thursday, December 8, 2016

Master Gardener classes will start in January.  "The classes have been very popular over the years," said Tom Stebbins.  "There are numerous reasons people enjoy the program and suggest it to their friends.  You don't have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener.  The program is about connecting with other gardeners, with community and with reliable resources for information.  Master Gardeners use trees, flowers and veggies to impact the lives of people in Hamilton County."

Master Gardening classes are offered only once a year in Chattanooga. There is a choice of Monday from 6-9 p.m. or Tuesday from 9 a.m.-noon class. The separate classes start on January 9 or 10.  There are 20-30 students in each class. Classes meet at the UT Extension Building off Bonny Oaks. Each class goes for 15 weeks.  

Topics include soils, trees, perennials, vegetables, fruits, insects, lawn care and more. Sessions are taught by experts in each area.  Students get a Master Gardener manual, which they keep as a reference.

"The students enjoy the classes and the people they meet," said Mr. Stebbins.  "They really like the food feast that occurs during break time. There are many door prizes and free plants given out to make the class fun."

After completion of the training program, individuals become Master Gardener interns. They are promoted to the title of Master Gardener upon completion of their 40-hour service commitment. The local Master Gardener Association of Hamilton County is very active. The group organizes continuing educational events for the graduates of the class. They have monthly events and help mentor the new students.   

Master Gardeners are individuals who have an interest in gardening and nature.  They have taken the Master Gardener training and then share their time and expertise with other gardeners.  It is the attainment of knowledge then giving back to the community that distinguishes a Master Gardener from other gardeners. Master Gardeners are a link in getting practical research based horticulture information to the public through the local University Extension offices. The Master Gardener program is nationwide and in several Canadian provinces. State-wide there are 3,000 active Master Gardeners in 46 counties. Master Gardener volunteers also grow personally through the expansion of their communication, management, and leadership skills. Tennessee Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that are part of the University of Tennessee Extension System. Master Gardeners can use their title only while performing unpaid volunteer work.  

"Take the class, and then give the gift of your knowledge back to your community," said Mr. Stebbins.  "You will get to network with many other plant lovers."  

There are about 10 ongoing group projects. The Hamilton County Fair exhibit is the biggest effort where over 60 people help every year. Numerous Master Gardeners are now active with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Demonstration Garden.  They help in the greenhouse or in the raised bed garden. Many give out gardening information at the Chattanooga Market.  They assist organic vegetable gardeners at Crabtree Farms. Another group teaches lessons at the Siskin Children’s Institute Gardens. A large group helps with indoor and outdoor gardens at the Tennessee Aquarium. Other partners include The Chattanooga Nature Center and Habitat for Humanity. 

There are many smaller projects in area schools and neighborhoods.  Several Master Gardeners answer questions from callers each Monday morning at the UT Extension office. Master Gardeners are not expected to know it all.  They learn where to find the most accurate answers for their clients. Over 20,000 thousand volunteer hours are given annually on these and numerous other projects in Hamilton County.  

Classes usually fill up before January.  The total fee is $170 for the class, a book and other materials. For an application form call the UT Extension office at 855-6113 or go to www.MGHC.org


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