Editor¡¯s Note (January 10, 2019): The East Â鶹´«Ã½ Master Gardeners has extended the deadline for applications for the 2019 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program until January 20.
Anyone with an interest in becoming a resource for home and school gardeners can apply to become a . The East Â鶹´«Ã½ Master Gardeners are accepting applications for the 2019 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program. Courses begin January 23, 2019, and run through April.
Trained and advised by extension agents from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ , East Â鶹´«Ã½ Master Gardener volunteers will be trained on various course topics including:
- Basic botany
- Native Hawaiian plants
- Invasive plant species
- Tropical ornamental plants
- Plant nutrition
- Soil fertility and nutrient management
- Insect and plant disease management
- Plant propagation and pruning
- Fruit and vegetable crops
- Natural gardening
- Diagnosing plant health problem
Upon completion of the program, East Â鶹´«Ã½ Master Gardeners can provide their knowledge at “plant doctor” booths or information helplines, help schools manage their educational gardens and educate students about the importance of plants, manage invasive pests like Little Fire Ants and other projects. The group is also starting work on a beekeeping initiative in collaboration with the Big Island Beekeepers Association.
. Fee for the course is $200. Applicants will be interviewed on January 9, 2019. Classes meet Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Komohana Research Center, 875 Komohana St., D-202 in Hilo.
Learn more about the .