If you would like to contact the Stearns County MG Website Committee, you may email Janelle Daberkow at:  kuec0022@umn.edu

Caring for Houseplants in Northern Climates

Pruning Trees and Shrubs 

Harvesting and Storing Home Garden Vegetables

Storing Tender Bulbs and Bulblike Structures 

Stearns County MG Terry Engels community blog:

University of MN SULIS:  http://www.sustland.umn.edu/index.html 

National Extension Gardens, Lawns & Landscape:  http://www.extension.org/horticulture

February 23, 2013 - Gardening Knowledge for Free, Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud

March 23, 2013 - Horticulture Education Day, St. Johns University, Collegeville

April 2013 (date to be determined) - Rose Education Day, Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud

May 2013 (date to be determined) - Plant Sale, St. Cloud

September 2013 (date to be determined) - Gardening Knowledge for Free, Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud

Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers whose job is to educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using readily-available, up-to-date research-based information. This educational effort is designed to enhance the public's quality of life and to promote good stewardship of the environment.

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320-255-6169 or 1-800-450-6171 

University of Minnesota Extension-Stearns County

3400 1st. St. N., Suite 103
St. Cloud, MN 56303-1924

E-mail: mnext-stearns@umn.edu

We are located: In the Midtown Office Complex in St. Cloud. (We are in the Office Building that is attached to the Mall that has the Old Country Buffet.  We have an outside entry door that faces the US Bank across the parking lot.)

A love of gardening, a search for knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge with others is central to why people join the Master Gardener program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share research-based horticultural knowledge and to give back to the community through their volunteer commitment.

If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener candidate. A formal education in horticulture isn't necessary--we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. There are five steps to becoming a Master Gardener - each step is described in more detail below.

Application

To become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener in Stearns County, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. To request an application contact the Stearns County Horticulturist at: 320-255-6169 or 1-800-450-6171; mnext-stearns@umn.edu; or mail request to "Stearns County Extension; 3400 1st St. N, Suite 103; St. Cloud, MN  56303-1924".  The application process starts early - we begin sending out applications mid-September.

Commitment

You agree to volunteer service in exchange for training from the University of Minnesota. You also agree to participate in Master Gardener meetings in your county, where you receive continuing education and learn about new projects and other volunteer opportunities.

Training

Training is held at different, rotating out-state locations around Minnesota each January and February.  These sites are decided by September the previous fall.  The training is also available as an extended online course from January-May. The course is taught by Extension faculty, and a textbook and mini-reference library are provided to each participant. For more information about the Core Course training, including times, locations, fees, and specific course content, visit the Minnesota Master Gardener page.

Internship

Following completion of Core Course Training, Master Gardener interns are required to do 50 hours of volunteer work and 8 hours of continuing education during their internship year (which ends December 31). We make an effort to ensure that our new interns are placed with other, more seasoned volunteers and we assign a mentor to each new intern. So whether you volunteer at an "Ask a Master Gardener" event or any other event, you'll be with knowledgeable, helpful people who will make sure you're not on your own. You'll have fun--and you will learn a lot!

Certification

You'll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a Master Gardener once you have completed the Core Course and fulfilled your internship requirements.

Remaining Certified

Once certified, Master Gardeners in Stearns County must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 5 hours of approved continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

Advanced Training

After you are certified, you are eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. These courses offer more technical information. Advanced training opportunities include:

• Tree Care Advisor
• Pesticide Applicator
• Plant Healthcare Advisors
• Household Insects
• Shoreline Restoration
• Special one-time classes

Here are three ways you can easily access yard and garden information.

Stearns County Extension: 320-255-6169 or 1-800-450-6171

E-mail: mnext-stearns@umn.edu
 

We are located: In the Midtown Office Complex (We are in the Office Building that is attached to the Mall that has the Old Country Buffet.  We have an outside entry door that is on the northeast corner of the complex and faces the US Bank across the parking lot.)

3400 1st. St. N., Suite 103
St. Cloud, MN 56303-1924

Publications on the Internet

Many University of Minnesota Extension publications are available for free on online at Extension's Garden Information website.