Master Gardener training sign-up deadline extended, Dec. 17

There is still time to apply for the Coos County Master Gardener training, which begins in January. Because the training class is not yet full, the deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at 5 p.m. The Oregon State University extension Service Master Gardener training is held just once a year, from January through mid-March. This year’s training will be held Jan. 8 through March 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Half the classes will be held at the Extension Office in Myrtle Point, and the other half will be at the South Coast ESD office on Teakwood in Coos Bay. Trainees will receive instruction from OSU professionals and local experts. Topics to be covered include botany, entomology, plant identification, soils, pruning, composting and much more. Trainees will receive a copy of EM8742 Sustainable Gardening: the Oregon and Washington Master Gardener Handbook, and detailed handouts each week. In order to complete their certification and become a fully-fledged Master Gardener, trainees must attend the training sessions, pass an open-book exam, and volunteer 60 hours of service to the community through a variety of fun, educational venues before October 31, 2015. Cost of the 10-week training is $150, $50 of which is refunded upon completion of the program requirements. Payment can be made by credit card. Class size is limited, so interested persons are encouraged to apply now. Packets can be picked up at the OSU Extension Service at 631 Alder Street in Myrtle Point, or by calling 541-572-5263, ext. 25240. A downloadable copy of the application packet is also available by going to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/coos/ and clicking on 2015 Master Gardener Training. If you’re interested in learning more about gardening, but not in taking the full training course, you can attend any of the classes on a drop-in basis for $10 for a half-day, or $15 for a full-day of classes. Use the contact information above to get a copy of the class schedule.