Indian River County Extension will be offering the 2009 classes to train new Master Gardeners early this fall. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, and classes will begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009 and continue through November 17, 2009. Training will take place at the Indian River County Extension office located in Vero Beach from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday of the week.

The Master Gardener program requires the commitment of time and energy, but it can be very rewarding. Master Gardeners are the University of Florida's trained volunteer teachers. They help to educate homeowners about gardening and landscaping by providing research-based university information over the telephone, by e-mail, or by walk-in clinics located throughout the county. The program is a great way to meet and help others with the similar interest of gardening.

Extension provides 75-80 hours of classroom and field instruction. In return, newly trained Master Gardeners are expected to volunteer 75 hours the first year. After the first year, 35 hours of volunteer time is required to retain Master Gardener status.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, please contact Joan Benson at (772) 770-5030.