Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
January 15, 2003

    Cooperative Extension will be launching a new Master Gardener Program this spring with a different mission. The mission of spring program is a Master Gardener Program designed for youth, called the Junior Master Gardener Program. Horizons Unlimited will be partnering with Cooperative Extension to deliver this pilot program for youth gardeners.
    The Junior Master Gardener program follows a very successful program developed by Texas A & M University. Cooperative Extension in Forsyth County implemented this program last year with remarkable success. Our goals are to mirror their success in Rowan County.
    The new Junior Master Gardener program will use the already successful Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer Program as a model. The program is designed to offer horticultural and environmental science education and leadership and life skills development through fun and creative activities. The educational component is also designed to dovetail with current grammar and middle school curriculums. The proposed Junior Master Gardener curriculum for the Junior Master Gardener program includes: Plant Growth and Development, Soils and Water, Ecology and Environmental Horticulture, Insects, Diseases, Landscape Horticulture, Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs and Life Skills Career Exploration.
    The Junior Master Gardener program is tentatively scheduled to meet twice a month for 12 weeks for an hour and half for each session. Classes will be beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Horizons Unlimited. Junior Master Gardener students that complete course work along with community service projects will receive official Junior Master Gardener Certification and eligible to continue advanced Junior Master Gardener studies.
    There will be an orientation meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 4:00 p.m. at Horizons Unlimited in Salisbury to discuss the program in detail for those that are interested in participating in the program. For further information, contact Darrell Blackwelder at 704-633-0571 or e-mail Darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu.