Master Gardener training April 17

Master Gardener training April 17 The South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service will offer Master Gardener training on Fridays from April 17 and June 12 in Sioux Falls. The training takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each Friday at the Minnehaha County Extension office, 220 W. Sixth St. The program trains volunteers in horticulture information, and then asks them to share their knowledge with citizens of South Dakota. The cost is $160 per person, which includes materials. Two people can share materials and take the course together for $210. Individuals who complete the training are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer service as South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service interns. Individuals can pay $500 to complete the training without the volunteer service requirement, but they will not receive the title of Master Gardener. The deadline to register is March 23, 2009. To apply, call the Minnehaha County Extension office at (605) 367-7877 or visit the South Dakota Master Gardeners Web site, http://hortmg.sdstate.edu. Volunteer service varies, but may include answering telephone calls on gardening topics, hosting plant and horticulture clinics, or speaking to groups. Other certified Master Gardeners assist with demonstration gardens, farmers markets, youth gardens, 4-H activities, or write articles for local newspapers. The Master Gardener training program consists of more than 60 hours of training provided by South Dakota State University specialists and educators. Topics include basic botany, insects and diseases, plant propagation, pruning, fertilizing, lawn care, plant selection, woody plant identification, fruit, and vegetables.