Master gardener class offered in Big Lake

August 8, 2016

Gardeners who wish to develop their green thumbs may sign up now for master gardener training that begins Sept. 6 in Big Lake.

Classes will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 6, at the Big Lake Library. Stephen Brown, the agriculture and horticulture agent for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service in Palmer, will lead the classes.

The training provides a broad horticultural background. Topics include botany, soils, vegetable production using organic and conventional techniques, integrated pest management, greenhouses, lawns, houseplants, trees/shrubs, flowers and invasive plants.

Participants must complete 40 hours of community service involving horticulture to become an Alaska master gardener. The fee of $300 includes materials and a copy of Extension’s sustainable gardening handbook. Students who complete their community service within one year of the class start date will receive a 50 percent registration rebate.

Individuals may register online at http://bit.ly/Fall16MG or at the Extension district office at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, 1509 S. Georgeson Road. For more information, contact Brown at 907-745-3639 or scbrown4@alaska.edu, or Melissa Clampitt at 907-745-3551 or mrclampitt@alaska.edu.