BURLINGTON — Gardeners interested in taking the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardener course can do so this spring from the comfort of their home.
The popular 13-week home horticulture course will be offered statewide as an online course through GoToWebinar. Students may either watch archived recordings of the classes or participate in live, interactive webinars on Tuesday nights, beginning Feb. 2, from 6:15 to 9 p.m.
The latter option will allow interaction with instructors to ask questions. In addition, local Extension Master Gardeners will host optional group-viewing sessions in many areas.
The course, which will be taught by UVM Extension and industry experts, costs $395 and includes the online training manual. A printed copy is available for an additional $55.
Registrations will be accepted until Jan. 15 at www.uvm.edu/mastergardener or by phone at (802) 656-9562, the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program office. Anyone requiring a disability-related accommodation to participate should call by Jan. 4.
The course will explore a range of horticultural topics including backyard vegetable gardening, annuals and perennials, sustainable landscaping, pest and disease control, rain gardens, healthy lawn management and tree and shrub care, among others.
Course graduates interested in becoming certified Extension Master Gardeners may complete 40 volunteer hours through an existing Master Gardener community service project. This may involve preparing and staffing exhibits at community events, presenting gardening talks or assisting with a composting project. Both interns and certified master gardeners will have opportunities to expand their horticultural knowledge through advanced gardening seminars and workshops, private garden tours and access to other resources.
To learn more, contact the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Office at (802) 656-9562.