Would you like to share your passion for growing with like-minded gardeners? Improve your knowledge to become one of the most skilled gardeners in Butler County?

If you have the time, we have the program for you. The Penn State Master Gardener Program, that is. Penn State Cooperative Extension in Butler County is planning a master gardener training course to begin this fall and end after the new year. To apply to be a part of the Master Gardener Class of 2009, all you need is a genuine interest in gardening.

The purpose of the program is two-fold. First, this is your opportunity to learn more about successful gardening of all types. Second, we can better serve Butler County by having skilled gardeners available to teach those who are eager to learn but who have less experience.

During the first part of the program, you learn more about gardening. In "hands-on" sessions, you will learn the basics of horticulture.

Classes will include topics such as soil preparation, how and what kind of fertilizer to use, how to identify pests and diseases and what to do about them, and lawn care. In addition to the basics, you will learn how to evaluate growing conditions and select plants which will grow best in various types of environments.

The second half of the program consists of you sharing what you have learned through volunteer service. To complete their certification as Master Gardeners, participants are asked to spend 50 hours of time devoted to working in support of Penn State Extension home horticulture programs.

There are many ways you can spend these volunteer hours. You might try out something that you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet had an opportunity. You can choose to answer garden questions phoned in to the Greenline, you can conduct gardening clinics and presentations for community groups; or you can write news articles relating to hot garden topics.

Volunteers also have worked with youth projects and written a home gardener's newsletter.

The Butler County Master Gardener group has been growing and needs volunteers who like to write, who have organizational and presentation skills.

The Butler County group also maintains several gardens throughout the county which are always in need of help from those who want to try out their newly learned skills.

After completing the training and volunteer work, you will be awarded a Master Gardener Certificate from Penn State University. As you continue in the Master Gardener program, there will be additional training and volunteer opportunities available.

The classes will begin in October and end in March. Butler County's classes will be held at the Penn State Extension Office at the Sunnyview Complex, beginning Oct. 2. Classes will continue on successive Thursdays, with one all-day session scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8.

Classes will break shortly before Thanksgiving and then resume on Thursdays, starting Jan. 15. With the exception of one all-day Saturday session, classes will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. We will need a minimum of 10 participants to proceed with the class.

The Master Gardener Training course is a complete basic horticulture course and requires a commitment on your part.

Interested individuals are asked to complete an application, take a test to determine their current level of horticulture knowledge and participate in an interview.

Applicant interviews will be conducted on Sept. 11 at the Butler County Extension Office. Once you are accepted, it is vital that you attend all classes and workshops. The cost is $175. This fee covers training materials, a comprehensive manual which you will receive, speaker fees and participant costs.

If you enjoy gardening and want to meet and help others who share your passion, why not become a Master Gardener? Contact the Butler County Extension office at 724-287-4761 for more information and an application.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 29. Contact the office today for your application or go to the Butler County Master Gardener Web site at butler.extension.psu.edu/ to download an application packet.