Your connection to MSU provides you with access to continuing education that gives you the latest science-based information. It will help you better serve your community and protect the environment. By enrolling in seminars and classes, you also earn the education credits necessary for recertification.

LIVE ONLINE TRAINING FOR BACKYARD AND COMMUNITY GARDENERS

Science of Composting
Date: April 10, 2012 
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Gary L. Heilig, MSU Extension Horticulture Educator
Description: Many people have compost piles, but few know how they work, the nutrient value of compost and its effects on the soil and plants.  This class will increase your knowledge and help you improve your soil and crops.   
Cost: FREE

Growing Pears
Date: May 8, 2012
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm
Instructor: Gary L. Heilig, MSU Extension Horticulture Educator
Description: Pears are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow, but only 40% of consumers eat peasr. Come learn the basics and get started growing this delicious fruit . 
Cost: FREE

Website: www.ustream.com (To view the program you need to have a high speed internet connection.) At the top of the page in the middle there is a search box.  Type in “Ingham County MSU Extension”. A drop down menu will appear.  Select “Ingham County MSU Extension” and that should take you to the page. (Gary is also working to embed a player on http://ce.ingham.org/Horticulture.aspx. If it works, you should also be able to view the program from this website.)

Recordings of Previous Live Sessions:

• Fruit Update 1: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19872438  Program evaluation: Fruit Update Evaluation 
  
• Fruit Update 2: http://connect.msu.edu/p575tx405cg/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal  Program evaluation: Fruit Update 2 Fruit Update Evaluation 
  
• Garden Weed Control: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20650414 Program evaluation: Garden Weed Control Evaluation
  
• Organic Pesticides in the Garden: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20650414 Program evaluation: Organic Pesticides in the Garden Evaluation
  

Master Gardeners will receive 1 continuing education credit for each 1 hour of presentation viewed. 
Please don’t forget to fill out an evaluation. Save the completed form and then attach it to an email to Gary Heilig at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Note: Viewers will have to endure commercials when viewing programs on ustream until we come up with a way to finance the premium service. 

2012 SPRING INTO SUMMER GARDENING SERIES 

• March 7, 2012 6 – 8pm  
  Landscape Design Basics - Janet Macunovich

• March 21, 2012 6 – 8pm   
  Spring Flowering Shrubs - Chuck Martin
  
  
• April 25,2012 6 – 8pm   
  Pollinators in the Garden - Elly Maxwell

Come join us for a three part series of classes designed especially to help you through the winter and get fully charged for this spring and summer!

We are proud to have well known author and educator, Janet Macunovich kick off our series with a presentation on Landscape Design Basics.  You will want to see Janet whether you are a novice to garden design or need a refresher and some new ideas!

Chuck Martin is Dow Gardens horticulturist in charge of the rose garden, perennials and woody ornamentals.  Chuck is an entertaining and popular educator sure to make you smile while you learn about spring flowering shrubs.

Elly Maxwell is Dow Gardens resident entomologist.  Elly is responsible for pest control, education and the seasonal butterfly display there.  She’s an energetic and delightful speaker.  If you haven’t heard Elly before, do make sure you attend her session!

Join us for one, or all three of these dynamic speakers!  2012 Spring into Summer Gardening Series brochure and registration 

2 MG recertification credits per session     

Veggies “101”— What You Need to Know to Grow!  

April 28, 2012 – Ann Arbor

Are you concerned about the safety of the food you eat? Are you interested in trying to grow your own food?  Have you been gardening a while and would like to learn more?  Then, Veggie 101 may be just what you’re looking for!  This intensive program will equip you with gardening knowledge that goes way past planting seeds—by incorporating space-saving design, healthy soil building techniques and problem solving you will come away excited to get growing! Three (3) MG recertification credits are available. Veggies 101 brochure and registration form. 

The demand for local, fresh vegetables continues to increase across Michigan.  This program will help you turn a home garden into a small business, supplying produce for farm markets and farm stands—or right at your site.  Business planning, equipment needs and effective pest and disease management will all be discussed during this jam-packed session.  Plan to get great new ideas on what to grow and how to market your produce too!! Three (3) MG recertification credits are available. Home to Market brochure and registration. 

INTRODUCTION TO DIAGNOSTICS Online, self-paced training
“Introduction to Diagnostics” was created specifically for Master Gardener Volunteers, to help in understanding the steps involved in plant pest diagnosis. Consisting of narrated PowerPoint presentations, handouts, fact sheets and other resources, “Introduction to Diagnostics” will help new and experienced volunteers gain confidence in the diagnostic process. Access this on-line course at your convenience anywhere you have internet access. Upon completion, participants will earn a certificate for 3 hours of continuing education credits.

The course has several course components:

• Narrated PowerPoint presentations
  
• Handouts Fact Sheet
• Certificate worth 3 continuing education credits (upon completion)

Enroll at: http://blogs.extension.org/mastergardener/2011/02/04/introduction-to-plant-diagnostics-for-master-gardeners-online-module/

There is a $10 fee that can be paid with a credit card or PayPal account.