The deadline is fast approaching for the Coos County Master Gardener training which begins January 8 in Myrtle Point. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 12. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so those interested are encouraged to get their forms turned in as soon as possible. The Master Gardener annual training course is taught by OSU professionals and local experts who offer research based information to help gardeners, or wanna-be gardeners, increase their gardening enjoyment and knowledge. Classes such as botany, entomology, and composting help trainees become more skilled and confident in their gardening skills. To become an OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, each student must attend the training sessions, which are held each Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for 10 weeks. They must then pass an open-book exam and volunteer 60 hours of horticultural service to the community from mid-March through October 31, 2015. Cost of the 10-week training is $150, $50 of which is refunded upon completion of the program requirements. Participants will receive a copy of EM8742 Sustainable Gardening: the Oregon and Washington Master Gardener Handbook plus detailed handouts. Half the classes will be held at the Coos County Extension Service office in Myrtle Point, and the other half will be at the South Coast Education Service District office in Coos Bay. Only 30 trainee slots are available, so those interested are encouraged to act fast. Call the Extension Service at 541-572-5263, ext. 25240 or 25299. The application packet, and more information, are available online at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/coos – click on 2015 Master Gardening Training. There you will find the option of paying for the training by credit card.
