It has been quite a while since we have offered the Master Gardener program in the Southeast Area, but interest is again being shown. Applications are being accepted in your local Colorado State University/Southeast Area Extension office. The actual location will be determined by where the majority of the applications are centered. Southeast Area offices include: Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers Counties. The application process includes suppling references, submitting to a background check, and signing a volunteer agreement.
Classes will begin Jan. 31 and run weekly though April 11 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a 45 minute lunch break. Class information is focused toward the non-commercial, home gardener. Topics usually include the following:
Plant Health Care and the Diagnostic Process*;
How Plants Grow (basic botany) (full day);
Soils, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizers*;
Introduction to Plant Pathology (plant diseases) (full day);
Introduction to Entomology (insects) (full day);
Lawn Care and Diagnosing Lawn Problems (full day);
Weed Management (full day);
Introduction to the Colorado Master Gardener Program*; and
Tree Care and the Science of Planting Trees*.
*Note: In 2019, these classes will be a combination of at-home work including online videos, readings, pre- and post-tests and worksheets, followed by in-class review and discussion. Your coordinator will provide the schedule.
These classes are required for Colorado Master Gardener Apprentices and students that elect not to take them will be dismissed from the program. No refunds will be given.
Participants must be 18 years of age, apply through their local office, must attend a minimum of 80 percent of the classes, completion of on-line classes and homework assignments, and complete 50 hours of volunteer time by Oct. 31, 2019. The Colorado Master Gardener course is offered at a cost of $170.00, including all class material. Participants may also apply for a Limited Income Scholarship of $85.00. Though no college credits are available for the training, the course is equivalent to a four credit college course that would cost $1,932.00.