WV Master Gardener

* WV Master Gardener *

West Virginia University

Extension Service

Master Gardener Manuel

This study guide is not University funded ADA pdf compliant.

Chapter I : Handout Material

West Virginia Extension Master Gardener Program

Welcome and Policies : Land Grant Institutions such as West Virginia University are uniquely American. Become familiar with the history and organization of WVU Extension Service and understand the responsibilities

of a West Virginia Extension Master Gardener.

Chapter II - A and B :

Communications : Online Video Course : 13 Videos

Because West Virginia Extension Master Gardeners are primarily teachers, they need good communications skills to be effective. This chapter covers many communication topics, including use of identity and branding standards, interpersonal communications, writing, speaking, and giving presentations to various audiences.

Chapter III :

Basic Botony : Video Class

Botony is the science of plants. To gain a working knowledge of horticulture, it is necessary to understand the structure and function of plants, as well as environmental factors effecting their growth.

Chapter IV :

Plant Propagation : Video Class

Plant propagation is the process of multiplying the number of species, perpetuating a species or maintaining the youthfulness of a plant. propagation may be sexual or asexual.

Chapter V :

Pesticides and Pest Management : Video Class

Sometimes a gardener needs to take immediate action to kill a pest. A selected pesticide should be one that does not harm the pesticide applicator or the environment. Extension Master Gardeners need to know about state pesticide laws, application equipment, safe mixing and handling practices, storage and disposal methods, and environmental hazards

associated with pesticide use.

Chapter VI :

Basics of Entomology : Video Class

An estimated 100,000 different species of insects and mites live in North America. The vast majority are either beneficial of harmless. But the 3% of insects classified as pests annually destroy millions of dollars of crops, fruits, shade trees and ornamental plants, stored products and household items.

Chapter VII :

Plant Diseases : Video Class I : Video Class II

Plant diseases are caused by many biotic or living agents, such as fungi, nematodes, bacteria, and viruses by abiotic or nonliving factors, including nutrient deficiencies and water or temperature stress ; or sometimes by a combination of them. About 30,000 plant diseases of economic importance are found in the United States.

Chapter VIII :

Soils and Fertilizers : Video Class

Soil provides support, water and nutrients for growing plants. Soil is made up of weathered rock fragments and newly formed clay minerals, along with decaying remains of plants and animals, air, water and microorganism.

Chapter IX :

Turfgrass Management : Video Class

Properly managed fine-textured grass species create a uniform ground cover that complements other ornamentals in the landscape. Turf that is weedy and thin will detract from the intended beauty of the entire landscape.

Chapter X :

The Vegetable Garden : Video Class

Vegetable plants, which are tender and shallow-rooted, compete poorly against weeds for food and water. Learning about gardening techniques, drawing a garden plan, and keeping notes on each years performance can improve results of a vegetable garden.

Chapter XI :

Gardening Equipment : Video Class

The equipment a gardener needs depends on the size of the garden and the gardeners age and strength. Gardening equipment includes hand tools, and power tools. Most gardeners need at least a hoe, a rake, a trowel,

and a shovel or spade.

Chapter XII :

Tree Fruits : Video Class : Material Files

Growing tree fruits requires more work than simple planting and harvesting. Gardeners must carry out specific cultural practices to achieve good yields of quality fruit. Home gardeners are encouraged to buy varieties having resistance to diseases and/or insects. Dwarf fruit trees bear earlier and are easier to prune and spray than standard size trees.

Chapter XIII :

Small Fruits : Video Class : Material Files

Small fruits are good crops for home gardens because they require little space and bear fruit one or two years after planting. The gardener must give attention to site and variety selection, soil management, fertilizing,

pruning, and pest control.

Chapter XIV :

Pruning Ornamental Plants : Video Class

Home gardeners may feel they should prune plants, but they often do not know why or how. This chapter explains why and when ornamental plants need to be pruned and the techniques and tools needed

for successful pruning.

Chapter XV :

Home Garden Composting Leaves & Garden Waste : Video Class

Compost : A mixture of decomposed leaves, grass clippings, other plant materials, and possibly kitchen waste can enrich the quality of soil. Just about every gardener or homeowner can make compost

from most kinds of organic waste

Chapter XVI :

Landscape Design : Video Class

Carefully and deliberately creating a landscape plan can help a homeowner avoid making rushed decisions that lead to costly mistakes. Whether developing a full landscape master plan or making a simple planting near the house, the homeowner should consider the appearance

and best use of the site.

Chapter XVII :

Indoor Plants : Video Class

Most home and office environments are poorly suited to the needs of tropical plants. Houseplant owners must select plants that can best withstand the conditions of a specific indoor location and then give them the proper care.

Chapter XVIII :

Woody Ornamentals : Video Class

The large body of plants comprises trees, shrubs, and vines. This chapter discusses procedures for selecting, planting, and caring for woody plants,

as well as environmental factors influencing plant growth.

Chapter XIX :

Herbaceous Plants : Video Class

Most garden flowers are herbaceous perennials, meaning the leaves, stems, flowers, and tops of the plants die back to the ground each fall. In the spring new plant tops arise from the roots. In addition to being beautiful, these plants may be useful, providing herbs for the table

and cut flowers for arrangements

Chapter XX :

Garden Animals : Friends and Foes : Video Class

Depending on the species, animals can either add to a person's enjoyment of the garden or destroy the garden. Homeowners can attract birds by providing feeders and water and by planting trees, shrubs, and vines they can use for food, shelter, and a place to raise their young. Various methods may be used to control unwanted animals.

Chapter XXI :

Gardening For Life : Video Class

People suffering from arthritis, low vision, limited mobility, and other physical conditions can continue to enjoy gardening. Many companies offer ergonomic and adaptive garden tools. In addition, West Virginia AgrAbility can help gardeners identify modifications and accessibility options to accommodate any type of physical limitation.

Chapter XXII :

West Virginia Native Plants for the Garden : Video Class

Native plants include those that occur naturally and those that have developed or existed for many years in an area. Using native plants in the landscape helps to address ecological concerns

of maintaining biological diversity.

WV Master Gardeners Application Form

WV Master Gardeners Code of Conduct

WVU Extension Service County Offices Contact

WVU Gardening Resources

WV Native Plant Society

WV DNR Native Shrubs

WV DNR Native Vegetation

Pest Identification Problem Solver

Woody Ornamental Pest Problem Solver

Home and Garden Information Center

Diagnostics : Ask the Plant Doctors