With the Arctic blast of cold weather we have experienced, lawn or gardening activities probably haven’t been on your mind. However, this is the right time for gardening enthusiasts to decide if they wish to take part in this year’s Master Gardener Training, hosted annually by the Warren County Extension Service.

Currently, more than 40 certified Master Gardeners assist the local Extension Service in meeting the horticultural needs of the community. Because the Master Gardeners make such a large footprint in the community through their programs, demonstrations and projects, it almost seems unnecessary to explain what the program is, what it provides or what it requires. On the other hand, there might be some readers who still aren’t quite clear about who the Master Gardeners are or if the program fits them.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu.

Master Gardeners are first and foremost members of the community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and are able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture, which is provided by Mississippi State University Extension specialists. In exchange for their training, those who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through the Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to the community. 

To help you decide if you should become a Master Gardener, ask yourself:

At a glance

To become a Master Gardener, visit the Warren County Extension Office at 1100-C Grove St., complete an application and pay an $85 fee no later than Jan. 29. Training sessions will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from February through April. Call 601-636-5442 for details.

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?

• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?

• Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you. 

Master Gardeners training begins in late February and ends in early April. Sessions are from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and provide more than 40 hours of instruction. 

Topics include botany, soils, vegetables, ornamentals, insects and diseases, and lawn care. Materials will be provided. 

To become certified, Master Gardener students — referred to as interns — are required to return 40 hours of volunteer service within one year of their training. To remain certified, after the first year, Master Gardeners are required to return 20 hours of volunteer service and attend 12 hours of training.

A one-time $85 fee covers the cost of class, materials and supplies and a one-year state membership.