JANUARY 23--Orientation of the Master Gardener program, Extension Service, collection of monies, distribution of manuals, outline of duties, facilities, questions and concerns of the participates. Meet with current Master Gardener Volunteers. January 30--Rowan Public Library Basic Soil and Fertility, plant growth and development as related to our soils. Soil testing and fertility as related to plant growth and development. FEBRUARY 6-- Plant Disease and Control. Pathogens will be discussed which cause plant diseases, how diseases effect plant growth, how they spread and control methods. FEBRUARY 13--Animal control as it pertains to urban horticulture. Information on controlling animal pests from deer to voles. Jonathan Shaw, North Carolina Wildlife Biologists, will be the featured speaker. FEBRUARY 20--Entomology-basic insect controls February 27----Establishment and maintenance of cool season lawns. Turf varieties, seeding rates and other cultural practices that relate to cool season turf. MARCH 5--Small Fruit Production. Basic small fruit production including the brambles, strawberries and grapes for the urban homeowner will be discussed. Pruning, insect and disease control will be featured in this class. MARCH 12--Tree Fruit production for homeowners. Site selection, varieties, and cultural practices of tree fruits such as peach, apple, pear and pecan. Insects and disease control is a major concern and will be discussed. MARCH 19--Field Trip-Tree fruit pruning March 26--No Class Spring Break APRIL 2--Vegetable production for the home garden. Basic home gardening techniques focusing on cultural practices, fertilization, weed control, insect and disease control. APRIL 9--Residential Landscaping. Creative ideas and trends for urban landscaping. Emphasis on design and balance. Psychological as well as functional aspects will be discussed. APRIL 16--Residential landscape maintenance. Basics in pruning, fertilization, weed control, insect and disease control in the landscape. Perennials in the landscape. APRIL 23--Irrigation practices including drip vs trickle irrigation. Other conservation practices such as composting, rain barrels, etc will be included in the discussion. APRIL 30--Orientation of office procedures, policies, phone system and computer systems. Volunteer projects will be discussed. Last minute questions. MAY 7--FINAL EXAM Location: All classes will be held at the Agricultural Center located at 2727 A, Old Concord Road, except otherwise noted in the agenda. Bad Weather Schedule: Master Gardener Classes follows the same schedule as Rowan County School System. If classes are cancelled due to bad weather for schools, Master Gardener Classes will likewise be cancelled.
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