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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a hosta and a houtnea? Have rust, mildews and leaf spots got you confused? Can you tell the damage caused by a weevil from the damage inflicted on a plant by a cutter bee? Does your plant need magnesium or manganese?
The answers to these and many other questions may be closer than you think.
Utah State University Extension Service is looking for a few good gardeners.
Actually, you don't have to be particularly knowledgeable about growing plants; you just need to want to learn.
The Master Gardener Program is one way to learn.
A good part of my career as an Extension horticulturist for Utah State University has been spent teaching, working with, advising and learning from Master Gardeners in many counties throughout the state. Few parts of my job have been as satisfying as the relationships I have formed and things I have learned along the way.
The program helps both those who learn and those who teach.
The program has been helping gardeners throughout the state for some 25 years.
Ogden native Dave Gibby started this program at Washington State University. As a horticulturist, he found the demand for gardening advice to be overwhelming. Hundreds of people wanted him to answer questions, give talks and demonstrations and assist with a myriad other projects.
He found that with some excellent training, gardeners could learn the basic university recommendations and, in turn, help others solve pest problems, select the right plants for their area and help with other horticultural needs.
Master Gardeners take an intensive set of classes that cover a wide range of horticultural topics. They include basic plant science, insects, diseases, soils, fertilizers, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and many other subjects. In return for the classes, participants agree to donate time back to Utah State University to help others with gardening needs.
If that seems a little intimidating, don't let it be. The classes are taught by people who want you to learn and have fun while you learn. During one class, you might be looking at insects, the next night you might be testing your soil, and the next you might be selecting flowers for your own garden.
As interesting and helpful as the classes might be, the volunteering after you've completed the classes is even better. Finding your niche in how you can best help others is part of the concept of master gardening.
Thousands of people throughout the state routinely use the services of Master Gardeners. Visit many of the gardens throughout the state, and your guide might be a Master Gardener. Hear a Master Gardener talk at your church or club. The person who assists you at the nursery or garden center might have also graduated from the program.
Master Gardeners are involved in dozens of projects. Most counties have a speakers bureau that you can call to schedule someone to come and talk about garden subjects that range from bulbs to tree care.
Master Gardeners help with diagnostic clinics in many counties. Take in a part of your plant to find out why it might not be growing well. They can identify the problem and recommend a solution.
In Weber County they assist with the Ogden River Parkway. In Davis County they spend much of their time helping with the development of the Utah Botanical Center. Salt Lake County volunteers have several demonstration sites including the Utah State Fairpark.
Utah County Master Gardeners help at the Thanksgiving Gardens and teach dozens of classes to county residents. Tooele County master gardeners hold clinics and help with gardening needs throughout the county.
Call your local Utah State University Extension Service Office for more information.
