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Master Gardener Training

The 2010 Yavapai County Master Gardener training will be held in Cottonwood, AZ, February 16 to May 25. Applications must be postmarked by 12/1/2009 and mailed to the Prescott Cooperative Extension Office. The address is on the bottom of the application form. 2010 Application (pdf file) 2010 Application Cover Letter (pdf file).

FAQs:

How do I become a Yavapai County Master Gardener?

You need to complete the formal Master Gardener training provided by the University of Arizona in Yavapai County, and then complete the 50 volunteer hours requirement.

When is the training?

A 15 week training course is delivered each year (usually January - May), with half day sessions once a week. Applications are available in November of the previous year. Each year the location of the course alternates between Cottonwood and Prescott.

Who can apply for training?

You may apply if you: have been a resident of Yavapai County for at least one year, want to learn more about gardening in the high desert, enjoy meeting others with similar gardening interests, enjoy sharing knowledge with others in your community, and if you have time to meet the volunteer and continuing education requirements.

Are all applicants accepted?

Applications are reviewed and a maximum of 40 students are selected each year.

What are the time requirements?

After completing the 15 week course, you must complete 50 hours of volunteer work within one year. You will then be certified. To maintain certification, you must volunteer at least 25 hours per year, and attend 6 hours of continuing education per year.

How do I apply for training?

If you'd like to receive an application, submit your name, address, phone number, and E-mail address. Applications are mailed around November 1st each year. You may E-mail your request to the Cooperative Extension Director, or you may call the Prescott Extension office on (928) 445-6590 to request an application.

What is the cost?

There is a fee for the 15 week training. It is a cost recovery fee and is dependent on the projected costs of materials, so it varies from year to year. The subsequent continuing education may be obtained in many ways which do not incur additional costs.

What topics are covered in training?

Topics covered in the course include: basic botany, soils, fruit tree care, planting, staking, pruning, ornamental trees and shrubs, water/irrigation, wildlife in the garden, insects, integrated pest management, vegetables, turf care, natural resources, plant diseases, pesticide safety, forest health, and firewise landscaping.

What happens after training?

Within 13 months of completing training you must complete 50 volunteer hours. You may create your own educational project(s), participate in educational projects coordinated by the Master Gardener Association, work in the Cooperative Extension Office, etc. When the 50 hours are completed you will be a certified Master Gardener. Each year thereafter you must complete 25 volunteer hours and 6 continuing education hours to remain certified. Experienced Master Gardeners are available if you'd like a mentor to help you through the first year.

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