Meet other passionate gardeners. Learn from horticulture experts. Share what you learn with your community. Become a Master Gardener.

Training classes will be held in the evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 12 through April 11 at Co-Lin Community College, Natchez Campus.

Topics of study include soils, botany, invasive plants, plant diseases, ornamentals, lawns, weed science, entomology, plant propagation, fruits and nuts and vegetables.

The Master Gardener program is administered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Through this program, individuals are trained and certified in consumer horticulture and related areas.

After completing the classes, interns volunteer 40 hours of community service in the first year to become Master Gardeners.

This service helps county extension offices with horticulture projects that benefit their local communities. After the first year, volunteers are required to return 20 hours of volunteer service and to attend 12 hours of educational training to remain certified as Master Gardeners.

The Adams County Master Gardener organization is one of the most active in the state.

We engage in numerous ongoing projects including maintenance of the trails at Historic Jefferson College and The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, education programs at local elementary schools, maintenance of a greenhouse in conjunction with our annual plant sale, creation and maintenance of a butterfly garden at Co-Lin Community College and participation in the Farmer’s Market.

We meet monthly and have quality education programs at every meeting. We also go on field trips and have a garden tour on a monthly basis. The Master Gardener volunteer program is a great way to gain horticultural expertise at a low cost, meet other avid gardeners, share gardening experiences, get connected to the community and belong to a well-respected and educational organization.

The registration deadline is Jan. 28. The cost is $100 and includes course materials, refreshments and membership dues for the first year. For more information or to register call 601-445-8201.

Karen O’Neal is the reporter for the Adams County Master Gardeners.