Would you like to share your passion for growing with like-minded gardeners? Improve your knowledge to become one of the most skilled gardeners in Butler County?

If you have the time, we have the program for you. The Penn State Master Gardener Program, that is.

Penn State Cooperative Extension in Butler County is planning a master gardener training program to start this fall and end after the new year.

To apply to be a part of the Master Gardener Class of 2011, all you need is a genuine interest in gardening.

The purpose of the program is two-fold. First, this is your opportunity to learn more about successful gardening of all types. Second, we can better serve Butler County by having skilled gardeners available to teach those who are eager to learn but who have less experience.

During the first part of the program, attendees will learn more about gardening. Thirteen core classes will be held to help participants develop a solid foundation in horticultural concepts.

Additional classes will be held on specific topics to reinforce the foundation concepts. Classes will include such topics as soils and fertilizers, pests and diseases, fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, lawn care, landscape plant selection and more.

The second half of the program consists of participants sharing what they have learned through volunteer service.

To complete their certification as Master Gardeners, participants are asked to spend 50 hours of time devoted to working in support of Penn State Extension home horticulture programs.

There are many ways participants can spend these volunteer hours. You might try out something that you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet had an opportunity. You can choose to answer garden questions phoned in to the GreenLine, conduct gardening clinics and presentations for community groups; or write news articles relating to hot garden topics.

Volunteers also have worked with youth projects and written a home gardener's newsletter.

The Butler County Master Gardener group has been growing and needs volunteers who like to write, who have organizational and presentation skills.

The group also maintains several gardens throughout the county which are always in need of help from those who want to try out their new skills.

After completing the training and volunteer work, participants will be awarded a Master Gardener Certificate from Penn State University. As they continue in the Master Gardener program, there will be additional training and volunteer opportunities available.

The classes will begin in September and end in late February or early March. Classes will be a combination of all-day courses (three Saturdays) and Thursday evening courses. The orientation class will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Penn State Extension Office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Butler Township.

The training course is a complete basic horticulture course and requires a commitment. Interested individuals are asked to complete an application, take a test to determine their current level of horticulture knowledge and participate in an interview. Once accepted into the program, it is vital to attend all classes and workshops.

The cost is $175, which covers training materials, a comprehensive manual which you will receive, speaker fees and participant costs. A minimum of 10 participants is needed to hold the class.

Those who enjoy gardening and want to meet and help others who share the same passion might want to consider becoming a Master Gardener.

Contact the Butler County Extension office at 724-287-4761 for more information and an application. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 27. Visit the Butler County Master Gardener website at http://butler.extension.psu.edu/ to download an application packet.

GreenLine responds to gardening questions

Do you have questions about weeds in your lawn, vegetable diseases, or how to maintain your ornamentals? If so, the Penn State Master Gardener GreenLine can help.

Trained Master Gardeners are available to help you solve your gardening problems. These knowledgeable volunteers are available to answer home gardening questions.

Home gardeners can call 724-287-4761, Ext. 229, in the mornings on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, stop by the extension office in Building 10 at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, or send e-mail to butlermg@psu.edu.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.