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Growing Your Own

Want to become an OSU Master Gardener, but can’t fit the classes into your schedule?

The OSU Extension Service, in cooperation with OSU Extended Campus, is pleased to announce an online version of the Master Gardener basic training course. The course will be delivered using the Blackboard Course Management System and will cover topics such as basic botany; basic entomology; integrated pest management; soils, fertilizers, and composting; pesticide safety; herbaceous and woody ornamental plants; vegetable gardening; indoor and container gardening; home landscaping; and plant pathology.
A combination of readings, lectures, discussions, quizzes, exams, and self- and peer-review of completed assignments will foster and support students’ mastery of gardening knowledge and techniques.

Students may choose one of the following two options.

In the first option, upon completing the online Master Gardener Basic Training course, students will continue their training, en route to becoming an OSU Master Gardener, in their local or county Master Gardener Program. Students will apply the concepts learned in the Basic Training course as they serve fellow Oregonians by volunteering to research and answer questions at Plant Clinics, propagating and dividing plants for a plant sale or demonstration garden, teaching gardening to children or the elderly, or any of a number of other options. Participation in these activities will count toward completion of practicum hours, which are required in order to become a certified OSU Master Gardener volunteer and receive an OSU Master Gardener badge. The number of practicum hours required varies by county, but ranges from 40 to 70 hours, to be completed over the course of 1 year.

In the second option, students will receive a Certificate of Home Horticulture, rather than an OSU Master Gardener badge. Additional training beyond the online course is not required to receive a Certificate of Home Horticulture.

The course will be offered in fall 2008 and in winter 2009. For more information, visit http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/mastergardener. Or, contact OSU Extended Campus (800-667-1465 or ecampus@oregonstate.edu).

Produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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