The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Master Gardener Level 1 Class in Fort Benton (please pre-register)

MSU Extension level 1 Master Gardener classes will take place in Fort Benton in February pending pre-registration numbers. Now is your chance to participate in an excellent educational opportunity. If ten people pre-register, we will have the class, which traditionally begins in February. We currently have three gardeners signed up. Please contact the MSU Chouteau County Extension office at 622-3751 to pre-register.

The Level 1 Master Gardener course requires 16 hours of class time, and is taught by local Extension agents, plant professionals, and Master Gardener volunteers. For a fee, participants will receive the Montana Master Gardener Handbook and other informative handouts pertaining to the class. Level 1 Master Gardener participants will learn about:

• Introduction to Montana State University Extension and the Master Gardener program

• Soils and fertility (N-P-K-Fe)

• Plant growth and development

• Vegetable gardening

• Growing small fruit

• Growing and caring for flowers

• Trees, shrubs, vines and pruning

• Lawns and irrigation

• Composting

• Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

To become level 1 certified, participants must complete the Level 1 Master Gardener course, pass an open-book exam and fulfill volunteer commitment of a minimum of 20 hours.

Please contact MSU Extension Chouteau County at 622-3751 to pre-register.

Upcoming Events:

January 24, 2018, Prairie Dog and Grazing Management Workshop in Fort Benton (9:00 a.m.at Community Bible) and Big Sandy (1:00 p.m.at Big Sandy Conservation District Office).

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating.

MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.