The Douglas County Extension's Master Gardeners program is now offering evening and weekend classes.

Being a “master” gardener is more than a fancy title: It signifies participation in an international volunteer program centered around education.

Getting started with the program is typically the hardest part because it requires participation in a multiweek training session that is often held during the work week. This year, the Douglas County chapter of Extension Master Gardeners is making its program more accessible by offering evening and weekend basic training sessions.

Basic training sessions are scheduled for Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30, from Aug. 23 to Oct. 18. The class will also meet on Saturday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. New trainees should plan to attend all sessions.

Prior gardening experience is unnecessary, but an interest and willingness to give back to the community is a must.

Upon completion of the training, master gardeners are expected to support and impart research-based gardening information rather than that based solely on anecdotes and may not use the title for personal gain.

Interested parties should apply for the program by Aug. 3. Applications are available at K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County, 2110 Harper St, Lawrence, or online at www.douglas.ksu.edu. Applicants will be contacted after Aug. 3 with more information.

Upon completion of the basic training sessions in fall 2016, new master gardeners are expected to volunteer 40 hours of time (in calendar year 2017) through the organization to complete the certification.

To stay certified as a master gardener, an individual must volunteer 20 hours through the organization and participate in 10 hours of advanced training.

Training courses are taught by Kansas State University professors, extension agents and local specialists. Basic training topics include soil function and management, ornamental plants, turf management, understanding pesticides and their uses, plant pathology, entomology, fruit and vegetable production, urban wildlife management, plant propagation and landscape maintenance.

There is a course fee of $125 to cover the costs of a training manual and course materials. Scholarships are available.

Volunteer activities of the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners include operation of a gardening hotline, maintenance of educational demonstration gardens, a speakers’ bureau, a Junior Master Gardener program, organization of educational events including spring gardening fairs and biannual garden tours, participation in community events with informational booths, promotion of Plant a Row for the Hungry, collection/distribution of excess garden produce for donation, and other community partnerships.

Douglas County Master Gardeners contributed a combined total of 10,100 hours in 2015 and reached more than 8,700 area residents. There are currently 162 active members. According to a 2009 survey, there are nearly 95,000 master gardeners in the United States and Canada.

Applicants are also invited to attend a reception on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Union Pacific Depot to meet and greet with other participants.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.” Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.