University of Wyoming Extension Master Gardener program is an extensive training and volunteer program focused on gardening and horticultural production in Wyoming. If you have a passion for gardening and want to learn more, the Master Gardener program is for you! For those who also want to give back to their communities through volunteer service, you would be joining a group of over 200 volunteers who support locally grown produce, beautiful communities to live in, and who share a common interest - Gardening!
Throughout this 14 week training you will learn from UW Extension educators and specialists with years of experience in their fields. Whether you are a new gardener or you have had dirt under your fingernails for years, you will take away knowledge, skills and the ability to successfully grow plants in your landscapes and gardens in Wyoming's uniquely challenging growing environment.
Registration: $75 + book Books are currently being printed and will be available for purchase in late January.
You can register for the upcoming online Master Gardener training here:https://extension.catalog.instructure.com/courses/master-gardener-online-training-sp21
You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Follow instructions in the email to complete registration and access the course in WyoLearn (see below).
WyoLearn
WyoLearn is the platform used by University of Wyoming Extension for online program delivery. After you register for the class and create a WyoLearn account, you will login to WyoLearn to access all class materials. https://uwyo3.instructure.com/login/canvas
Live Classes 6-9 PM on Wednesdays, February 10 - May12, 2021
Weekly classes are live on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 PM. You will learn from University of Wyoming Extension Specialists and Educators who are subject matter experts with years of experience in their fields. Live classes allow instructors to teach as well as interact with you and answer your questions. Class recordings will be available within 48 hours after the live class. Classes are live, using the Zoom videoconference program. You need to create a Zoom account in order to attend the live classes. Zoom is accessible using a computer, smart phone, or tablet. You can create a free Zoom account here: https://zoom.us
Class Recordings
Classes are recorded and will be made available for you to view within 48 hours of the live class. Links to view recordings are found in each module. You will have access to these videos for at least 12 months.
Class Schedule
Live classes are Wednesdays from 6-9 PM
Feb 10 – Introduction and Overview of the Master Gardener Program
Feb 17 – Basic Botany
Feb 24 – Soils, Fertility and Composting
March 3 – Season Extension – High Tunnels, Low Tunnels, Row Covers, Cold Frames
March 10 – Vegetable Gardening
March 17 – Fruit Trees and Berry Crops
March 24 – Landscape Design and Site Analysis
March 31 – Herbaceous Plants
April 7 – Woody Plants
April 14 – Lawn Care
April 21 – IPM
April 28 – Plant Diseases
May 5 – Entomology
May 12 – Volunteering in the UW Extension Master Gardener Program
Learn
Master Gardener trainings have been offered through local UW Extension offices since 1985. Trainees receive over 40 hours of education on topics including: botany, soils, composting, season extension techniques (high tunnels, backyard greenhouses, low tunnels, raised bed gardening), growing vegetables and herbs, growing fruit trees and berry crops, landscape design, trees and shrubs, lawn care, annual and perennial flowers, integrated pest management, diagnosing plant problems, and entomology. Classes are taught by UW Extension educators with subject matter expertise, specifically related to Wyoming growing conditions. You also receive Sustainable Horticulture For Wyoming: A Master Gardener Handbook.
Give
On average, about half of those who complete the Master Gardener training participate in the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. After completing the training, Master Gardener volunteers give back to their communities through volunteer service. Volunteer activities are coordinated at the local level to address local needs and opportunities. Master Gardeners are asked to provide 40 hours of volunteer time in their own communities. Wyoming Master Gardener volunteer activities include community beautification, community gardens, demonstration gardens, educational conferences and workshops, garden tours, plant production, office support for UW Extension, school gardens, youth programs, diagnosing plant problems, and yard calls. Volunteer opportunities vary by location and may not be available in all locations.
Grow
Whether you are a beginning gardener or have years of experience, you will take away knowledge and skills that make you a better gardener after completing the Master Gardener training. Many Master Gardeners continue with the program for years and years. The longer a Master Gardener stays with the program, the more they learn and the more they share. University of Wyoming Extension Educators and active Master Gardeners offer advanced education to build on your base of knowledge. Master Gardeners typically enjoy the social aspect of learning together, volunteering together, and helping others.