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Master Gardener Volunteer Training Orientation

Core Manual

Core Manual Supplement

Mission The MSU Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains and coordinates volunteers to share gardening skills and information with Michigan citizens.

Their knowledge and skills, related to basic plant science and home gardening, enable these volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities - by increasing people’s appreciation for and use of plants and by providing them with instruction on growing plants using environmentally sound practices.

Program Objectives 1.To provide instruction in basic horticulture science to motivated, active gardeners. 2.To provide MSU Extension with trained volunteers who will provide timely, accurate information to the public in the rapidly expanding area of home horticulture.

Certification - Two Parts! 1.Through Educational Training in a classroom setting. 2.Through Volunteering with MSUE in your community.

Educational Training Rigorous core training lasts 13 weeks and is comprised of the following classes:

Introduction to Plant Science Plant classification Basic plant parts and functions Growth and development of a plant Plant propagation

Soils for Plant Growth Define soil Physical properties of soil Essential plant nutrients and management of these nutrients Environmental implications of soil management practices

Lawn Care Selection and establishment Cultural practices Turfgrass pest problems and methods of control

Tree Fruit Culture Tree fruit for Michigan Factors to consider in planning a home orchard Knowledge of primary pests and diseases

Small Fruit Culture Growing requirements Pruning requirements Cultural characteristics Pests and IPM techniques

Flower Gardening Perennials, annuals, biennials, bulbs Site selection Soil preparation Cultural management

Household Pests Identify home-invading pests Pest of people & pets Control methods

Plant Health Care Insect identification Disease triangle What is a pesticide Alternatives to pesticides

Vegetable Culture Soil preparation Weed control Warm & cool season crops Fertilizer types & uses

Woody Ornamentals Selection criteria for trees and shrubs Pruning techniques Weed management Major problems

Indoor Plants Light levels Proper containers Growing mediums #1 killer of houseplants

Educational Requirements 1.Pass weekly take-home assignment with a cumulative average of 70% or better. 2.Take-home final exam score of 80% or better 3.Attendance at all class sessions unless other arrangements are made.

Volunteer Requirement 1.Provide 40 hours of horticulture-related service to your community. 2.Must be educational for others. 3.Can not be paid for service.

Volunteering Minimum 20 hours of volunteer service to MSU; the Gardens, the State Master Gardener Office and other horticulture projects. Remainder of 20 hours to projects whose objective is to increase horticultural-related knowledge in others in your community.

Additionally… Because Master Gardener Volunteers often work with children and impaired adults as part of their volunteer activities, you are asked to provide your social security number or drivers license number allowing MSU to check any criminal history with the Michigan State Police.

Master Gardener Volunteers

I-75 Rest Area

Labor Day 2001

Instructing Junior Master Gardeners

Community Garden Project

Monet Garden

Staff Master Gardener Booth

Helping Youth to Grow

Composting Demonstration

Public Parks and Gardens

Garden Fairy Research

Certification  Complete 13 Week Educational Training  Complete 40 Volunteer Hours within 12 months  Recertification required annually

Annual Recertification 1.Fifteen (15) hours of volunteering service 2.Five (5) continuing-education credits

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Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8, and June 30, 1914 in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.