Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango, Fulton-Montgomery, Herkimer, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties are recruiting new Master Gardener Volunteers to work with home and community gardeners. Master Gardeners bring research based information and gardening volunteer assistance to adults, youth, and communities.

New Volunteers are required to attend the Master Gardener Training, which will be held on Tuesdays September 14 through November 22 in Cooperstown. The cost of the training is $150, $50 of which will be returned to the volunteer after completing 100 hours of volunteer service to Cooperative Extension over a two year period.

The intensive training is taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University staff and horticultural professionals and is equivalent to a college level course in horticulture. Topics include: Basic Plant Pathology, Soils and Fertilizers, Garden Botany, Annuals & Perennials, Basic Entomology, Organic Gardening & Composting, Vegetable Gardening, Fruits, Trees & Shrubs, Pruning, Ecological Lawn Care, Nuisance Wildlife, Herbs and more. Potential master gardeners do not need to be garden experts to apply - just possess a passion for gardening and a passion for helping others.

Master Gardeners are neighbors teaching neighbors about landscapes, vegetables and fruits, herbs, houseplants, insects, diseases, wildlife management, integrated pest management, soils, composting, and much more. Participants are also trained about where to find the best research-based information to use as well as provided educational opportunities throughout a master gardener’s volunteer career with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Persons interested in becoming a CCE Master Gardener Volunteer should contact CCEFM at 518-762-3909 x 101 or e-mail fultonmontgomery@cornell.edu and request an application packet. Applications are due August 15th.

Cornell Cooperative Extension enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.  Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.