WVU Extension Service announces Master Gardeners Spring Class | Life & Arts | wvgazettemail.com

The Kanawha County WVU Extension will offer 2025 Master Gardener training for individuals interested in increasing their horticultural, gardening, and small-scale food production knowledge and then applying that knowledge as a certified volunteer Master Gardener in service to others.

The 40-hour, college-level training course will take place from 6 until 9 p.m. on Thursdays from Jan. 9 to May 15. All classes will be held virtually on Zoom.

The cost of the program will depend on class manual choice: $100 for the paper extensive study manual; $55 for the manual on a jump drive; or $130 for both. The fee also covers a name badge, insurance, and miscellaneous class expenses. Please be prepared to pay this fee with cash or check at Orientation.

The curriculum includes lectures, weekly quizzes, a presentation and a final exam. There may be an off-site, half-day, hands-on pruning class. Note that there is an 80% attendance policy to graduate.

There will be an in-person orientation on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 10 a.m. until noon at the WVU Extension office in downtown Charleston. An in-person meeting will be held in late May or early June to discuss required service hours, reporting of hours, end-of-training program testing and presentations.

To achieve initial certification, Master Gardeners must complete 40 hours of volunteer service working in community gardens or doing other horticulturally related activities that benefit the community. Kanawha County Master Gardeners Association members will help students with opportunities to complete service requirements.

Some examples of volunteer activities in which current association members participate include the Demonstration Garden at Coonskin; Camp Virgil Tate; Sojourner’s Shelter gardens; Manna Meal Garden; Café Appalachia Garden; WVU Extension Outdoor Classroom; and public-school Jr. Master Gardener programs.

The association also hosts a plant sale in May and “Fall into Gardening” educational events.

Apply by completing the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Application online at https://extension.wvu.edu/files/d/8f0c847c-1b21-4494-945e-a051aa191652/extension-master-gardener-application.pdf. Note that the application asks for two references; include two individuals who are not related to you whom the extension service may contact.

Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and must be received by Dec. 1. Mail a copy of your completed applications to Master Gardener Applications, 139 Sunset Drive, Charleston, WV 25301. For more information, contact Susan Johnson or Barbara Elswick at [email protected] or visit the Kanawha County WVU Extension Service online at https://extension.wvu.edu/kanawha/ag-natural-resources.

While all counties with Master Gardener clubs will participate in the 2025 Master Gardener Zoom trainings from 6 until 9 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 9 to May 15, interested individuals must apply through the extension office in their county of residence.

Area counties with Master Gardener clubs include:

— HD Media