Gazette-Times

Gardeners of all skill levels are invited to become Master Gardeners. Applications are being accepted for the 2009 training program, which begins on Jan. 7, 2009. The 11-week course meets Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. through March 18 at Grace Lutheran Church in Corvallis.

Class subjects include growing vegetables, fruit, nuts and berries; ornamental selection and care; soils; pruning; insect, weed and disease identification and control; and more. Weekly instructors include Oregon State teaching faculty, Extension faculty, experienced Master Gardeners and other experts. After training participants volunteer 66 hours of time answering gardening questions at the Extension office and in the community throughout the gardening season.

Applications for the program will be accepted through Dec. 1. They are available at the Benton County Extension office, 1849 N.W. Ninth St., and online at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/Benton/Horticulture/MGapplication.html. Once the application has been made, reserve space at one of the orientation sessions being offered in early December.

The Master Gardener Basic Training is also being offered online. More detailed information can be found at http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/mastergardener.

For more information, call Benton County-OSU Extension at 766-6750.