UGA Extension Service to offer master gardener course in 2023

UGA’s local extension service, which has offices in Dawson and Lumpkin Counties, will hold a master gardener course in Lumpkin County in 2023 that will be open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the craft.

According to a press release by the extension service, the term “Master Gardener” isn’t meant to refer to people who are garden experts, but rather those who help out the local extension office with service projects with gardening and natural resources themes.

“Master Gardener Extension volunteers are made up of people from many ages and abilities,” the release said. “Many who take the training class are novice gardeners, while others are seasoned planet lovers. Anyone who sits through the courses will learn something to enrich their own gardening skills.”

The Master Gardener training course will take place at the Lumpkin County Parks and Recreation building, located at 365 Riley Road in Dahlonega, and classes will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 3 pm between Jan. 17 and Feb. 21. Classes will be taught by UGA Extension professionals and others skilled in the various gardening techniques. The entire course costs $150, which includes the Master Gardener Handbook.

“Classes offered include a wide range of gardening and landscape topics, including soils and fertility, plant identification, insects and diseases, landscape design, pruning, lawn maintenance and selection, pollinator gardening, fruit gardening and many more,” the release said. “It’s a great deal of information for only $150.”

All participants in the course must pledge to donate 50 hours of their spare time to help with Master Gardener projects in the first year after their initial training, the release added. After that, 25 hours of service are required annually to maintain the status of an active Master Gardener Extension volunteer.

“This may seem like a lot, but we have many projects available to help with, and the hours build up quickly for most people,” the release said.

Those interested in the class can apply by visiting the Lumpkin County Extension office, located at 26 Johnson Street in Dahlonega, or by emailing [email protected] Anyone interested will be required to fill out an application form and complete a background check through the University of Georgia.

“Whether you are an avid gardener or have never dug a hole in your life, consider joining us for the Master Gardener training class. [in 2023],” the release said. “You will certainly receive a good education on gardening topics, and you will also meet some great people who are already involved in the program.”

For more information, contact the Lumpkin County Extension Office by calling 706-864-2275 or by emailing [email protected]