NORWOOD – The Colorado State University Extension is offering a Colorado Master Gardener Course this winter. The class will meet locally on Tuesdays, Feb. 3-April 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Topics will include: How plants grow; soils, fertilizers and soil amendments; entomology; plant health care and diagnostics; how to correctly plant trees; lawn care; weed management; water efficient gardening; high altitude perennial gardening and vegetable gardening.

Although the deadline to register was Dec. 31, there are still some spots left, according to Extension Agent Mary Watson. The exact location is still being confirmed, but “it is tentatively Placerville, in the fire station there,” she says.

The Colorado Master Gardener program is ideal for gardeners who wish to increase their knowledge of horticulture and help others learn the joy of successful gardening. In addition to receiving training from Colorado State University professors, specialists and horticulture agents, master gardeners perform 50 hours of volunteer work during the growing season. Volunteers help the community by answering questions on garden care and performing diagnostics services. They also help develop and maintain demonstration gardens, work with local farmers markets and community gardens by providing educational publications and teaching workshops.

Those who do not have time to volunteer have the option of enrolling as a Colorado Garden Certificate participant for $500. Those who volunteer may take the class for the reduced fee of $180. Scholarships are also available.

The Colorado Master Gardener program can be a stepping stone toward a career in horticulture. Recognized by the green industry as a great vocational education course, the Colorado Master Gardener program is open to persons within and outside of the professional horticulture community. Many people considering a career in the green industry start with master gardener training as an all-around introduction to advanced plant care.

The course held in San Miguel County will use a combination of live presentations by specialists as well as technology using live and interactive video, audio and graphic links. This technology allows the CSU Extension to deliver classes locally without the need for extensive student or instructor travel.

For an application or more information, contact the CSU Extension Office at 327-4393, go by their office across from the San Miguel County Fairgrounds in Norwood, or visit their website at www.coopext.colostate.edu/sanmiguel/.