News Release - February 5, 2008

Master Gardener Training

The Master Gardener Program is open to anyone who has an interest in gardening.  Most people participate in the program because they want to learn more about gardening and find it to be an enjoyable way to contribute to their community.

The South Dakota MG program offers over 60 hours of instruction that covers topics in lawn care, selection and care of ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed control; safe use of pesticides; soils and plant nutrition; vegetable, fruit and flower gardening; plant propagation and herbaceous plants. The training in includes classroom instruction as well as outdoor learning experiences. Trainees are encouraged to bring in plant, insect and disease samples to share with the class. Participants are also encouraged to relate their own gardening experiences with the group so that everyone can learn from each other's personal experiences. Since many of the people involved in the Master Gardener training program are already avid gardeners, everyone becomes a resource for the other gardeners. 

In exchange for the training, participants are required to return 50 hours of volunteer time to their county extension program over the next two years. The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies, but will have as a goal helping educate others about gardening. For example, some volunteers answer telephone requests for information related to gardening, while others host plant clinics or build displays, speak to local groups, or assist with the 4-H program. Master Gardeners also help establish and maintain community garden plots, write local gardening news articles, or help with the horticulture exhibits at county achievement days and at the State Fair.

The cost of regular training which includes the over 60 hours of training and the South Dakota Master Gardener resource manual is as follows:  Single individual - $160, Two individuals sharing a manual - $210.  Each participant is expected to then contribute 50 hours of volunteer service over the next two years to complete their training and become a full-fledged Master Gardener.  Or, if an individual desires, they may sign up at a cost of $450 which provides the same training materials and resources but removes the 50 hour payback requirement.

Master Gardener classes will held May through July, 2008 (click here for typical schedule with topics covered).  Training will be in Sioux Falls on Fridays beginning May 16 at the Minnehaha County Extension Office. (We are located on the north side of 6th Street between the Administration Building and the Courthouse Museum.) Classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour lunch. (There will be no class on Friday, July 4.)

If you are interested in participating in the Master Gardener Training Program contact the Minnehaha County Extension Office at 605-367-7877 for application information and/or you can visit the State Master Gardener website at http://hortmg.sdstate.edu.