The WVU Extension Virtual Master Gardener class will begin on August 20th and will run every Thursday starting at 6pm till November 19th. This new format follows COVID-19 guidelines and is available to all West Virginia residents. Sessions will be recorded and available for review at your convenience.
The Master Gardener program is 40 hours of training where you’ll learn about a variety of things including: botany, plant propagation, entomology, pesticides and pest management, plant disease, soil and fertilizers, turfgrass management, vegetable gardening, gardening equipment, tree fruits, small fruit, pruning, landscape design, woody ornamentals, indoor plants, herbaceous plants, garden animals and teaching methods.
After you complete the program and receive your certification, get out and help others grow while you continue to grow your knowledge! Each year, a WVU Extension Master Gardener must complete 20 volunteer hours and 10 additional hours of horticulture training. Opportunities to volunteer are numerous. The Randolph Tucker Master Gardener Association meets monthly an holds volunteer and continuing education opportunities.
The cost of the program includes online sessions and a manual which is available for $75 in a printed binder or $30 in a digital (thumb drive) format. You can view a schedule by visiting https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/news/2020/07/17/become-an-extension-master-gardener-this-fall
All participants must complete the WVU Vetting process.
Any certified Master Gardeners are invited to view class sessions free of charge but must complete registration forms to receive credit for education hours.
If you are interested in registering for the class, please call your local Extension Office: Randolph Co. – (304)636-2455, Tucker Co. – (304)478-2949, Barbour Co. – (304)457-3254, Upshur Co. – (304)473-4208. You must register by August 14. Registration forms will be send via email unless requested otherwise. Class starts Aug. 20.
The payment for the class manual should be mailed to: Randolph/Tucker Master Gardener Association, 32 Randolph Ave, Suite 102, Elkins, WV 26241.
