Originally Published In The Deseret News Wednesday, September 18, 1991
Master Gardeners: Those Who Finish Course Donate Time To Help Others Improve Their Skills.
The title "master gardener" denotes someone who has mastered the art of gardening. I'm not sure anyone ever "masters" gardening; one only learns to participate in it. If you have an interest in gardening, the Utah State University Extension Service's master gardener course may be of great help to you. Over the past 15 years, the program has trained hundreds of volunteers in Salt Lake County. These include doctors, attorneys, landscapers, media people, pest control operators and nursery workers. Also included are those who simply want to learn how to garden or increase their gardening skills.
The next program begins Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the Salt Lake County Government Center at 2001 S. State, Room S1007-1008. The class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This schedule allows gardeners to attend the class that best fits their schedule. Interested gardeners should call 468-3170 or come to the first class session to register.
The classes are taught by USU Extension horticulturalists, including me and my co-worker Jerry Goodspeed. We will be assisted by professionals from the nursery industry and extension specialists from USU. The class offers 12 weeks of intensive training about fertilizers, soils, plant diseases, insects, fruit and vegetable growing, lawns, trees, flowers and other subjects. Master gardener participants are instructed in various aspects of gardening and then, in turn, donate their time and effort to help others with gardening problems.
Master gardeners donate their time in a variety of ways, including demonstration gardens, garden talks, question-and-answer booths, and at various garden shows, fairs and demonstrations. Cost of the course varies with the amount of volunteer service. The $80 course fee covers the cost of the 600-page manual, the only book written especially for Utah conditions. Volunteers can receive up to $40 of this course fee back as they participate in the master gardener program.
Another exciting opportunity available to master gardeners is participation in the Master Gardener Association. This newly formed organization, under the able direction of its president, Dale Hughes, offers a great opportunity for gardeners to get additional training and to network with those interested in similar activities. The Master Gardener Association is open to all who have completed the Extension Service's master gardener training. It opens the opportunity for field trips, monthly lectures, garden tours and other activities. Whether a novice or a seasoned professional, there is something for everyone in the master gardener program. In addition to being a great educational experience, it is a lot of fun for those participating.
- THE RECENT RAINS have prompted questions about the effects of the rains on the garden. As with everything that happens in nature, there are good and bad aspects. Disadvantages include cracked tomatoes, caused by the skins swelling with the sudden absorption of the moisture, and some fungal growth on various fruits and vegetables.
Winter squash, pumpkins and melons that will be in the garden for an extended length of time should be placed on a board or brick to prevent decay where they contact the soil surface. If the weather pattern continues, it may necessitate spraying for a few fungal diseases such as coryneum blight. These will be discussed in a future column. Many have noticed mushrooms popping up in the lawn. There is no chemical control for these, and usually they are a very temporary problem. Rake them up and dispose of them if they present a hazard to small children or pests.
Abundant rains have positive aspects. They replenish soil and help cool-season turfgrass look good throughout the fall. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer increases the growth and coloration of the turfgrass. The rains also reduce the stress on drought-stricken trees in the landscape and the native forests. Rain and cool weather also help many other perennial plants, including fall and spring bloomers. Cooler weather also is great for planting trees and shrubs in the landscape. Check apples and other fruits frequently and harvest them at their peak maturity to enjoy the finest produce.
- CLASSES AND SHOWS:
- "Ornamental Fruit." Thursday, Sept. 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Red Butte Gardens at the University of Utah. Instructor: Bill Varga, director USU/Utah Botanical Gardens.
- "Fall Planting for Spring Color." Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Red Butte Gardens at U. Instructor: Peter Lassig, landscape architect, Temple Square.
- Fall Bonsai Show. The ancient living sculptural art of Japan will be showcased when the Bonsai Club of Utah holds its annual Fall Bonsai Show on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22, at the Garden Center in Sugarhouse Park. The show, free to the public, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. More than 100 miniature trees will be on display, many of which were featured at the American Bonsai Society's National Convention, hosted by the Bonsai Club of Utah in Park City earlier this summer. For more information, call Ken Hulme at 581-7862.
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.
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