Place-based Master Gardener workshops for 2013
Workshops are at the McCall College and open to everyone.
We are excited to partner with the McCall College to provide you this year’s Master Gardener workshops. Whether you are an aspiring Master Gardener or a homeowner interested in being a steward, these workshops will have something for everyone. “Place-based” means that the Master Gardener workshops will specifically address needs for our region: address our short growing season, our need to deal with both fire and drought, not to mention co-existing with all kinds of wildlife.
Workshops: registration, time and location
- WHEN: Master Gardener workshops are on Saturday morning (see schedule below) from 9:00AM till 1:00PM (some classes are 3 hours; some a little longer). There will be coffee and snacks.
- REGISTRATION: there is no set registration fee but we suggest a donation of $7 for a workshop; this donation will go towards expenses with any overage donated to the McCall College. There is a $45 fee for individuals who want to become a certified Master Gardener. This fee covers all 9 workshops (there are scholarships available for those with financial hardship; please contact the extension office if you think you qualify).
- WHERE: McCall College, 106 Park Street, room #220 (directions) unless specified otherwise. After entering the building, turn left, up the stairs (or use elevator) – classroom 220 is the first door on your left.
- OPTIONAL: MASTER GARDENER CERTIFICATIONS: Master Gardener workshops will have reading assignments and a take-home quiz; the reading assignments are from the Idaho Master Gardeners Handbook, available online. Individuals that attend at least 7 of the 9 classes (to include three core-classes[1]) and complete the home-work assignment and take-home quiz for all classes can automatically enroll in the master-gardeners certification program. If you think you may want to become a certified Master Gardener, please indicate so when you register for class.
More on Master Gardener Certification
…in Valley County and Meadows Valley
| Level | Annual educational hours per year* | Annual volunteer hours per year* | Annual fee** |
| Becoming a Master Gardener | $45 | ||
| Master Gardener | 30 hours | 30 hours of directed volunteering | |
| Advanced Master Gardener | Defined by the local region | 10 hours | |
| Re-certification requirements for Master Gardeners | |||
| Re-certification requirements | 3 hours | 7 hours | |
| Advanced Master Gardener | 10 hours | 10 hours | |
| * Valley County follows the minimum requirements as set by the state-program. Individual counties may choose to set more stringent requirements. ** Local Master Gardeners set the fee for their region |
|||
The 2013 Master Gardener Workshops
| Date | Master Gardener Workshops |
Reading[2] & resources |
| February 9 |
(1) Healthy Soils: How is soil structure, composting and weed control all related?Healthy soils are pertinent to healthy living. Where you live in our region may largely determine the type of soil you have and what vegetation will thrive: fertile clay loam soil on the valley floor, shallow stony mountain soils on the slopes, etc. Understanding your soil and tailoring your composting can make your soils better serve your needs. |
|
| February 23 |
(2) Basic Botany[1]A basic understanding of what distinguishes different plant families and what makes them thrive is essential in successful growing, effective nutrition and disease management. |
Chapter 3, Chapter 4 |
| March 9 |
(3)Water and FireWise Landscaping (Part I of Place-Based Landscaping)Our mountain valley has consistently wet soil conditions in the winter and spring, with contrasting drought conditions in the summer. Understanding these unique circumstances will help in coping with too much and too little water, select species that cope with that and how to landscape to decrease the risks of wildfire. |
|
| March 23 |
(4)Wildlife and Beneficials (Part II of Place-Based Landscaping)Wildlife and insects are a given, whether you invite them or not. Understanding what they like or dislike will help in creating the conditions and landscape that best serve your objectives. |
Reading & resourcesChapter 10, Chapter 12, Chapter 16, Chapter 19 |
| April 13 |
(5) Plant Diagnostics[1] Our region has its own particular issues: from bark beetles to iron deficiencies. This basic workshop will cover most common issues in our region and relate back to soil and landscaping issues covered in the previous workshops. |
Reading & resourcesChapter 13,
|
| April 27 |
(6) Growing of Edibles in a Short SeasonThe farmer’s market is an excellent source of fruit and vegetables in the summer months. Our gardens can complement nicely if only we could get a head-start. This workshop will cover (organic and natural) best practices from local growers, tricks for season extension and more. |
Reading & resourcesChapter 20, Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, Chapter 25 |
| May 18 | (8) Rangeland and Forestry Management for Small Acreages Whether 4 acres or 40 acres, managing your lands for sustainable health will ultimately pay off in less work, healthier soil and (if so desired) higher productivity. | Check out UI’s award winning ‘Lost Rivers Grazing Academy’ Other materials will follow |
| June 8 (rescheduled from May 4) | (7) Solving Pest Problems in the Landscape and Garden: Safe and Sustainable Methods[1] We all face pest problems from time to time in the home landscape and garden. And we have many options when it comes to managing them. But what works? And how do we protect our environment, beneficial insects, family members and pets? Join University of Idaho Extension Educator Ariel Agenbroad in exploring a balanced approach to integrated pest management, including:
ISDA Pesticide Recertification Credits will be offered. |
Chapter 9, Chapter 11, Chapter 14 |
| September 28 | (9) Pruning for Health Careful pruning can bring your landscape together and provide light and space for healthier growing. | Chapter 6, Chapter 18 |
| [1]^ Core (required) classes for Beginner Master Gardeners [2]^ Reading assignments are for individuals that want to become certified Master Gardeners. Unless otherwise indicated, reading is from the Idaho Master Gardener Handbook: download link (13 MB) |
||