Today’s advice:“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a

fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

-Brian Gerald O’Driscoll

Master Gardener Training Day 1

Bart Renner North Carolina Cooperative

Extension Master GardenersJanuary 10th, 2017

Welcome! Now take a test!• Pre- Evaluation• Review Schedule

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service• Started in 1914 with the “Smith-Lever Act”,

which formalized the Cooperative Extension Service.

• Started in 1917 in Transylvania County• We are in all 100 Counties in NC (and EBCI)• We “Empower people and provide solutions”• “We are the link between the research being

done at the Universities and it’s practical application on the ground”

Cooperative Extension in Transylvania County

• Bart Renner- Local Foods/ CED• Mary Arnaudin- 4-H• Addison Bradley- Livestock and Row

Crops• Cliff Ruth- Commercial Horticulture• Sara Freeman- EFNEP and Ag PA• Maryann Mickewicz- Professional

Assistant

Master Gardener Program• Started in 1979• Extension Master Gardener volunteers work

with NC Cooperative Extension to provide gardeners with unbiased, research based information on:

• gardens • Lawns• landscapes.

Expectations• Assist with Educational Programs in this

County• Teach unbiased, science based information• Learn the major issues gardeners face locally• Bring past experiences and expertise to your

local community• Professionally represent the Master Gardener

program and Cooperative Extension

Misconceptions• “I’m here to learn how to grow my garden

better.”• “You have to be an expert to sign up for the

Master Gardener Volunteer Class”• “I’ll be an expert after I take this class”• “This is a class on organic gardening”

Interacting with your Clients:GOALS and

Issues

Tools and solutions

What does your client’s Toolbox look like?

Gardening in Transylvania County:• Rainfall average: 73 inches• Average First frost: October 20th

• Average last frost: May 10th• Hardiness zone: 6B/7• Spring moves north at 15 miles per day• For every 1000 feet expect a temp lower by

3.5 degrees

Knowing your resources• Extension Master gardener handbook

Know Your Resources• Transylvania County Extension Website

Know your resources:• NCDA- Agronomic Services

Knowing your resources• Transylvania County GIS

Know your resources• Horticulture portal

Know your Resources• Extension Plants portal:

Knowing your resources• Plant disease and Insect Clinic

Silvermont Gardens

Farmers Market

Rain Garden at the Library

Monthly Presentations

Pollinator Garden at Ranger station

Plant Sale

White Squirrel Festival

Honeybee Expo

Farm Fair

Halloweenfest

Soil School

With 4-H!

Christmas Party