First Master Gardener training course scheduled to begin Sept. 7

Application forms are now being accepted for the first Gonzales County Master Gardener Training Class, scheduled to begin Sept. 7.
Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in Gonzales, beginning in September. The course completion date will be May 24, 2011, which will allow for learning experiences in both the fall and spring growing seasons.
If you cannot attend a class, it must be made up at another approved Master Gardener training.
Scheduled class dates are Sept. 7, 14, 28, Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 9, 23, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8, 22, 29, April 12, 26, and May 10, and 24, 2011.
The cost of the course is $150 per person, which includes the Master Gardener Handbook, a soil analysis and other training materials. Payment will be due with the application.
Participants must pre-register for the class at the Texas AgriLife Extension Gonzales County Office, and class size is limited. The deadline for all applications is 5 p.m. Aug. 25.
At the conclusion of the classes participants are expected to give back 50 hours of volunteer time within one year to become a certified Master Gardener. Master Gardeners will play a big role in the improvement of Gonzales County in our home landscapes, gardens, historic buildings and schools, in responding to personal and business needs in landscaping, disease and insect problems, and through volunteer work assisting at the Extension Office.
Through the Master Gardener program, participants will have the opportunity to attend state and national Master Gardener activities and technical training and will learn through lectures, tours, hands on activities and by sharing knowledge with each other. Speakers from the horticultural/gardening industry will present programs to expand your gardening knowledge base.
Certified Master Gardeners will assist participants and educate them through their experiences. Potential Master Gardeners will improve their gardening knowledge and skills and give back to the community.
Applications may be obtained at the Texas AgriLife Extension Gonzales County Office located in the Gonzales County Courthouse Annex at 1709 East Sarah DeWitt Drive in Gonzales or on our website at http://gonzales-tx.tamu.edu. Come by or call the office at (830)672-8531 for an application before the deadline.