Anyone with an interest in becoming a resource for school and home gardeners can apply to become a Master Gardener. The East Hawaiʻi Master Gardeners has extended the deadline for applications for the 2019 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program until Jan. 20, 2019. Courses begin Jan. 23, and run through April.
Trained and advised by extension agents from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, East Hawaiʻi Master Gardener volunteers will be trained on various course topics including:
Basic botany
Native Hawaiian plants
Invasive plant species
Tropical ornamental plants
Plant nutrition
Soil fertility and nutrient management
Insect and plant disease management
Plant propagation and pruning
Fruit and vegetable crops
Natural gardening
Diagnosing plant health problem
Upon completion of the program, East Hawaiʻi Master Gardeners can provide their knowledge at “plant doctor” booths or information helplines, help schools manage their educational gardens and educate students about the importance of plants, manage invasive pests like Little Fire Ants and other projects. The group is also starting work on a beekeeping initiative in collaboration with the Big Island Beekeepers Association.
Master Gardener Ed Olsen Moore provides a tour of his garden. PC: Becky Settlage.
Those interested in the class can apply online. The fee for the course is $200. Classes meet Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Komohana Research Center, 875 Komohana St., D-202, in Hilo.
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