Master gardener classes planned in Palmer, Anchorage

Registration is open for spring master gardener classes in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna region.
 
The classes teach the fundamentals of gardening and can lead to the official title of Alaska master gardener. Participants who want the title also must commit to volunteer 40 hours of community service involving horticulture. Topics covered will include botany, soil science, entomology, greenhouse design and management, organic and conventional fertilization, lawn care, and vegetable-growing techniques specific to Alaska and more.
 
Steve Brown and Gina Dionne, Master Gardener Program coordinators for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, will teach the series. The Anchorage classes will be in person at the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali St., weekly on Mondays from 5 to 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 28 through May 23. The registration deadline is Feb. 25.
 
The Palmer classes will be held in person at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center in Palmer, 1509 S. Georgeson St. Classes will meet Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning March 1 through May 24. The registration deadline is Feb. 25.
 
Registration, class information and the required master gardener volunteer application are available online for the Anchorage classes and the Palmer series.

The $300 fee includes materials and a copy of Extension’s Sustainable Gardening Handbook.

 For more information, contact Steve Brown at scbrown4@alaska.edu or 907-745-3639.

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