University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Volunteer program for Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties will be held on Thursday afternoons, Nov. 3-Dec. 8 and March 23-May 11.

The classes, from 1-4:30 p.m., will be held at the Knox - Lincoln Extension office in Waldoboro, and a few will be at the Waldo County Extension office (west of Belfast). Carpooling is encouraged.

The 45-hour program offers research-based information from UMaine Extension specialists and industry experts. Core classes include an introduction to Extension and volunteerism, understanding soils and organic matter, basic botany, integrated pest and disease management, and pesticide safety. Specialized classes include growing vegetables, tree and small fruit in Maine, and food safety.  

In addition to 13 classes, participants will plan at least two hands-on workshops or tours that may focus on ornamental horticulture. Participants will begin volunteering in their communities in late spring. Projects include school and community gardens, educational talks and workshops, growing produce for food pantries and soup kitchens, and civic beautification.

Tuition is $220. More information and the application are available online extension.umaine.edu/knox-lincoln/educational-programs/master-gardeners.

For further questions or to request a disability accommodation, contact Liz Stanley, 207.832.0343, elizabeth.stanley@maine.edu.