Master Gardeners helping Americans make better gardening decisions
During a farmers’ market in Uniontown, Master Gardener Bert Sesler helped to answer garden-related questions from the public.
Master Gardener Cindy Mrosko overseeing the Master Gardener annual plant sale at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.
By Mark Soroka
For people with a green thumb, master gardening is a way to take their horticulture skills to the next level. Master Gardener programs advance the art and science of gardening and prepare individuals to educate the public about best practices in sustainable horticulture.
“More than 3,000 people are certified as Master Gardeners in Pennsylvania,” said Valerie Sesler, Master Gardener coordinator, Penn State Extension, Fayette County Office. “Some of these individuals work in the science field and have a professional interest in horticulture. Others are looking for a new hobby. All Master Gardeners share a love of gardening and want to pass their expertise to other people.”
Sesler pointed out that Master Gardeners become knowledgeable in a wide variety of specialties, such as taxonomy, plant pathology, entomology and sustainable gardening.
“It’s amazing how much Master Gardeners know about horticulture,” said Sesler. “They learn about plant structure, soil structure, bugs, pesticides and much more. And there is always something new to learn and share with the public.”
Master Gardening programs are offered at university cooperative extension programs across the country. Trainees who enroll in the Penn State Master Gardener Program are required to take a minimum of 40 hours of basic training, score at least 80 percent on their final exams and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service. In Fayette County, classes are taught at the Penn State Extension office. Each year, individuals must also complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of approved continuing education to maintain certification.
“Master Gardeners are involved in a wide array of volunteer activities,” said Sesler. “For instance, they may answer phone calls on the Garden Hotline and give general pesticide recommendations. Other times, Master Gardeners may assist with Poison Prevention programs, write research-based gardening information for newsletters, or assist schools and 4-H Clubs with gardening education projects. We also have a booth at the Fayette County Fair, where our volunteers are happy to answer questions about horticulture issues.”
Sesler added that the Penn State Extension serves as a research arm for the university’s Department of Plant Science and it often involves Masters Gardeners on research projects.
“We have worked on some fascinating studies with a strong local angle,” she said. “During one three-year study, our Master Gardeners helped to count bees and other pollinators as they landed on the flowers in the pollinator demonstration garden.”
It takes a lot of commitment to become a Master Gardener, but people who are serious about horticulture enjoy every minute of this special calling.
“If you are passionate about plants, like working with people and want to give something back to your community, then you might really enjoy becoming a Master Gardener,” said Sesler.
CATION: At left: During a farmers’ market in Uniontown, Master Gardener Bert Sesler helped to answer garden-related questions from the public. Below: Master Gardener Cindy Mrosko overseeing the Master Gardener annual plant sale at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.