JANUARY 18--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 25--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 1-- Plant Disease and Control. Pathogens will be discussed which cause plant diseases, how diseases effect plant growth, how they spread and control methods.
FEBRUARY 8--Animal control as it pertains to urban horticulture. Information on controlling animal pests from deer to voles. Dr. Jonathon Shaw ,wildlife biologist with the NC Wildlife Department will be special guest lecturer.
FEBRUARY 15--Entomology-basic identification, life cycles and insect control measures.
February 22----Establishment and maintenance of cool season lawns. Turf varieties, seeding rates and other cultural practices that relate to cool season turf. Warm season turf will also be included in the discussion.
FEBRUARY 29--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 7--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 14--Field Trip-Small Fruit/Tree Fruits TBA
MARCH 21--Vegetable production for the home garden. Basic home gardening techniques focusing on cultural practices, fertilization, weed control, insect and disease control. Amanda Taylor, Extension Agent from Iredell County will be the special guest lecturer.
MARCH 28--Residential Landscaping. Creative ideas and trends for urban landscaping. Emphasis on design and balance. Psychological as well as functional aspects will be discussed.
APRIL 4--Residential landscape maintenance. Basics in pruning, fertilization, weed control, insect and disease control in the landscape.
APRIL 11--Irrigation practices including drip vs trickle irrigation. Other conservation practices such as composting, rain barrels, etc will be included in the discussion.
APRIL 25--Orientation of office procedures, policies, phone system and computer systems. Volunteer projects will be discussed. Last minute questions.
MAY 2--FINAL EXAM (TENTATIVE)

Location: All classes will be held at the Agricultural Center located at 2727 A, Old Concord Road, Salisbury 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.

• Mailing address:2727-A Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
• Phone number: 704-216-8981
• Home phone: 704-637-6004
• Fax 704-216-8995
• E-mail address: darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu