General Discussion & Chat: Be a Master Gardener, 1 by deann

deann wrote:
tabasco.............Every state and county is different...Just like we all live in different hardy zones, so therefore, some of the subjects would have to be tailor made for those areas. Someone in Florida may not have the problem of frost, but we here in the north do. Just as there are perennials that will do well here in the north, but will fry in Florida. The basic needs, such as Plant Science, Soils for Plant Growth, Intergrated Pest Management to name a few would be ok for all....But there is so much more to the MG programs. But I do like the idea of online continuing education. The State of Michigan has some programs for the Master Gardeners to continue their education online. Its a new program, so I am not sure how well it will do. They just introduced it to the MG in late fall.

It really amazes me how different the MG programs are from State to State. Some are so lax while others are not. The cost too amazes me. which by the way, I am not complaining, its just so different from State to State. I paid $180.00 for a 12 week course, one day a week, for 4 hours each time. Along with that, I received my Core manual, which by the way is huge. Its bigger then the New York City telephone book as best to discribe it. The subject matter varies...Here in Michigan we had Plant Science, Soils, Backyard Composting, Flower Gardening, Woody Ornamentals, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) , Gypsy Moth,*here in Michigan they are a problem* Indoor Plants, Managing Wildlife, Vegetable Gardening, Small Fruit Culture, Tree Fruit Culture, Lawn Care, Household Pests, and Poisonous Plants. Although some of these subjects were combined, there was alot to read and study for. Each of these subjects had at least 100 pages of text to read each week with a test given each week. They tell you up front.....do not expect to know everything in that Core Manual.....Master Gardening is a learning experience, and everyday you learn something new. I myself refer to that Manual all the time if I don't know the answer.


Deann