If you are interested in learning how to better manage your lawn, trees, shrubs, or garden, and share your gained knowledge with others, you may want to register for the University of Wisconsin, Division of Extension, Master Gardener Level One training that will be offered in Monroe beginning January 14, 2020. Classes to learn more about horticulture and to become an Extension Certified Master Gardener Volunteer are being offered on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., from January 14th to March 17th, at the Green County UW-Extension Office, 2841 6th Street, Monroe. One Saturday session, March 7th, will also be part of the training to be offered in 2020.

University of Wisconsin-Extension specialists and Green County Master Gardener volunteers will help class participants learn more about Soils, Plant Nutrition & Composting, Botany, Plant Growth & Propagation, Lawn Care, Trees and Shrubs, Entomology, Plant Diseases, Weed ID & Invasive Plants, Integrated Pest Management, Vegetables, Fruits,& General Gardening, Backyard Wildlife, Landscaping with Herbaceous Plants & Perennials, and Houseplants. Participants will receive a training manual and various other materials during the course.

In exchange for this instruction, participants are required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours of volunteer service as a resource for horticulture inquiries in their community. This can be done through the UW-Extension Office in Green County or through many of the community projects done by the Green County Master Gardeners Association.

The cost to attend the 11-week program is $80 per person. This fee includes Master Gardener Training Manual, a Soil Test for your own garden or lawn, and admission to the Green County Master Gardeners Gardening Symposium on March 7, 2020. A limited number of scholarships are available to help pay a portion of the cost for those that qualify.

The program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. Registrations must be received by December 18, 2019, at the Green County UW-Extension Office, 2841 6th Street, Monroe. A minimum number of participants is required to run the classes. For more information or to register, contact Jackie McCarville, Agriculture Educator at (608) 328-9440 or visit the Green County UW-Extension web site at green.extension.wisc.edu to print out an informational brochure and registration form for the program.