1. Welcome!

2. Master Gardener Volunteer Training Orientation

3. Core Manual

4. Core Manual Supplement

5. Mission The MSU Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains and coordinates volunteers to share gardening skills and information with Michigan citizens.

6. Their knowledge and skills, related to basic plant science and home gardening, enable these volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities - by increasing people’s appreciation for and use of plants and by providing them with instruction on growing plants using environmentally sound practices.

7. Program Objectives 1.To provide instruction in basic horticulture science to motivated, active gardeners. 2.To provide MSU Extension with trained volunteers who will provide timely, accurate information to the public in the rapidly expanding area of home horticulture.

8. Certification - Two Parts! 1.Through Educational Training in a classroom setting. 2.Through Volunteering with MSUE in your community.

9. Educational Training Rigorous core training lasts 13 weeks and is comprised of the following classes:

10. Introduction to Plant Science Plant classification Basic plant parts and functions Growth and development of a plant Plant propagation

11. Soils for Plant Growth Define soil Physical properties of soil Essential plant nutrients and management of these nutrients Environmental implications of soil management practices

12. Lawn Care Selection and establishment Cultural practices Turfgrass pest problems and methods of control

13. Tree Fruit Culture Tree fruit for Michigan Factors to consider in planning a home orchard Knowledge of primary pests and diseases

14. Small Fruit Culture Growing requirements Pruning requirements Cultural characteristics Pests and IPM techniques

15. Flower Gardening Perennials, annuals, biennials, bulbs Site selection Soil preparation Cultural management

16. Household Pests Identify home-invading pests Pest of people & pets Control methods

17. Plant Health Care Insect identification Disease triangle What is a pesticide Alternatives to pesticides

18. Vegetable Culture Soil preparation Weed control Warm & cool season crops Fertilizer types & uses

19. Woody Ornamentals Selection criteria for trees and shrubs Pruning techniques Weed management Major problems

20. Indoor Plants Light levels Proper containers Growing mediums #1 killer of houseplants

21. Educational Requirements 1.Pass weekly take-home assignment with a cumulative average of 70% or better. 2.Take-home final exam score of 80% or better 3.Attendance at all class sessions unless other arrangements are made.

22. Volunteer Requirement 1.Provide 40 hours of horticulture-related service to your community. 2.Must be educational for others. 3.Can not be paid for service.

23. Volunteering Minimum 20 hours of volunteer service to MSU; the Gardens, the State Master Gardener Office and other horticulture projects. Remainder of 20 hours to projects whose objective is to increase horticultural-related knowledge in others in your community.

24. Additionally… Because Master Gardener Volunteers often work with children and impaired adults as part of their volunteer activities, you are asked to provide your social security number or drivers license number allowing MSU to check any criminal history with the Michigan State Police.

25. Master Gardener Volunteers

26. I-75 Rest Area

27. Labor Day 2001

28. Instructing Junior Master Gardeners

29. Community Garden Project

30. Monet Garden

31. Staff Master Gardener Booth

32. Helping Youth to Grow

33. Composting Demonstration

34. Public Parks and Gardens

35. Garden Fairy Research

36. Certification  Complete 13 Week Educational Training  Complete 40 Volunteer Hours within 12 months  Recertification required annually

37. Annual Recertification 1.Fifteen (15) hours of volunteering service 2.Five (5) continuing-education credits

38. Check out our websites: http://web1.msue.msu.edu/mastergardener www.mastergardenershoppingmall.com

39. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8, and June 30, 1914 in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.