Jul 31, 2014 2 min read

Many people are busy with their gardens this time of year. Vegetables are ripening and growers are trying to preserve what can’t be eaten right now.

Flower beds are beaming with beautifully colored bits of nature.

Of course, some gardens might be overflowing, leaving the gardener to wonder how to “make it better” next year.

For those who have thought about learning more about gardening, and helping others learn more, now is the time to think about becoming a Master Gardener.

What sets Master Gardeners apart is the intensive training in horticulture they receive from Penn State Extension.

In exchange for their training, Penn State Master Gardeners serve as volunteers for the extension horticulture program.

To become a certified Master Gardener, a person needs to complete a minimum of 36 hours of training, score at least 80 percent on the final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service.

To maintain certification, a person must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 volunteer hours annually.

The cost of the Adobe Connect Master Gardener Basic Training class is $175 a person. Courses are online at the Penn State Extension Office. An instructor delivers the program live and most are interactive.

The fee covers the training manual, printing and programming supplies and information technology support. Participants keep the manual, which is a great reference guide.

The Penn State Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications for the fall Master Gardener Program. Those interested should contact the Greene County Extension office at 724-627-3745 for more information or an application. Information is also available by visiting the website at: extension.psu.edu/master-gardener.