Community garden programs are one of the major volunteer projects Master Gardener volunteers (MGVs) participate in across the state. Well-structured programs blend support service, community education and youth education aspects. The produce grown in projects is often donated to food pantries or harvested directly by the families that need it most. For many of these gardens, these are very personal projects taken on by MGVs.

Traditional advanced training in the past has been heavily focused on the “content” associated with growing fruits and vegetables in the state. This season’s training attempts to continue this, but with an emphasis on the selection and culture of many popular fruits and vegetables grown in Wisconsin. New topics will be introduced that connect MGVs to concepts of local food systems and food insecurity in Wisconsin, safe handling practices for both in the field and out, and addressing both conventional and organic growing methods. This series will build upon knowledge of fruit and vegetable gardening and reinforce MGVs’ potential role addressing food security issues in individual communities.

Level two training expands upon level one training with more focused horticultural topics. Level one training is a prerequisite for all of these courses. This 6- to 12-week course is offered in a set rotation beginning Tuesday, Feb. 5. The classes will be held every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and run through June 15.

This program is primarily targeted for online audiences. MGVs may participate live from their personal computer or watch the program archive at their convenience. Individuals without a computer or Internet are asked to contact their local UWEX office for assistance in accessing the program before registering.

Early bird registration (prior to Jan. 15) is $50 per person. After Jan. 15, the registration fee increases to $65 per person. The fee includes 21 lectures and online access to handouts, archive, evaluation, comments and discussion. There is no registration for individual lectures.

For registration details and more information, contact Anna Gauthier at the UW-Extension office, (715) 365-2750, or via email at anna.gauthier@ces.uwex.edu.