Master Gardener Course Announcement

The Northeast Research Station in Tensas Parish will be hosting a Master Gardener Course starting Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.

The objective of the Master Gardener Program is to train volunteers who have gardening experience and a desire to help others. These volunteers extend LSU AgCenter Extension resources and gardening knowledge to parish residents, thus helping their community.

The class sessions (6 weeks) start Thursday, September 1st, and will be conducted every Thursday thereafter through Thursday, Oct 6th with a final exam on Thursday, October 13th. Sessions will be taught by Extension agents, scientists, and specialists from the LSU AgCenter.

All sessions will be held in the auditorium of the Northeast Research Station. Please park in the back parking lot and enter through the double auditorium doors located on the small porch. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (time may vary depending on the instructor and time needed to teach the course.) Please refer to the class schedule for more details.

Subject matter will include entomology, pesticide safety, botany, weed science, vegetables & herbs, fruits & nuts, lawn care, plant propagation, herbaceous plants, plant pathology, and soils. Class members will be provided with up-to-date research information useful in solving problems related to gardens and landscapes.

A volunteer in training must attend at least 80 percent of the prescribed hours of instruction. Once a trainee completes the instruction and examination phase, the individual gains the title of “Louisiana Master Gardener Apprentice.” From that point, the Intern has a maximum of one year to complete a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service. Upon meeting the volunteer requirements, the apprentice earns the title of certified "Louisiana Master Gardener."

In order to retain the Louisiana Master Gardener title, individuals are required to complete a minimum of 20 volunteer service hours and six continuing education hours each year. Documentation requirements and validation of volunteer service and continuing education hours are under the supervision of the local Master Gardener Program Coordinator or individual designated by the coordinator.

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/lawn_garden/master%20gardener

Volunteer hours may consist of assisting with answers for telephone callers and office visitors, editing information sheets on needed subjects; mini-clinics in public areas such as the library, office, parks, farmer’s markets, civic clubs, and local garden clubs. Continuing education hours may consist of attending a gardening-related seminar, taking an online course, etc.

For more information, Tensas, Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Madison, and East Carroll parish residents can call the Tensas Parish Extension Service Office at 318-766-3769 or email Marcie Wilson at mmathews@agcenter.lsu.edu

Deadline for applications will be Monday, August 1st, 2022. The student manual fee of $155 will also be due upon application. The class schedule can be found below.

Thank you for your interest in the program! We look forward to working with you!

2022 Master Gardener Course Schedule (Delta)

Attendees: Classes may run longer than the allotted time. There will be a 15-20 min break between instructors. We will generally begin at 8:00 am and finish by 12:00 pm. Class outlines will be emailed to each class member the week before for review. It is very important that you review the class material prior to each session. Instructors may use the allotted time as a lab, to focus more on major topics, or they may use more time to cover the subject thoroughly. Therefore, classes may run longer.

Master Gardener Application

(Download the PDF version to the right.)

Please return the completed application form and the $155 book fee by August 1st, 2022 to:

Marcie Mize Wilson, Horticulture Agent

Delta Master Gardener Coordinator

Northeast Research Station & Tensas Extension Office

4589 Hwy 605

St. Joseph, La 71366

I wish to become a Master Gardener and would like to be accepted into the training program beginning September 1, 2022. I understand that if accepted into the Master Gardener training program, I will agree to pay a $155 materials fee and donate 40 hours of volunteer service. (please see course announcement page for info on volunteer hours).

PLEASE PRINT

Name: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

City, ZIP CODE: _________________________________

Email address:____________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________________

1. Years of gardening experience: _____________

2. Please list any training you have already received that relates to home horticulture and any gardening related groups you are affiliated with: ____________________________________________________________________________________

3. List your Special interests (e.g. roses, vegetables, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Why do you want to become a certified Master Gardener? ____________________________________________________________________________________