WALDOBORO — Are you interested in learning about the relationship between healthy soil and the plants that sustain us? Would you like to understand how plants work, and how to make them thrive? Would you like to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables using sustainable methods to fend off pests and diseases? Are you a teacher who'd like to know more about establishing a school garden? Do you like the camaraderie of people who enjoy volunteering together toward a common goal?

If any of these ideas sound intriguing, you may be a good candidate for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer training. Classes for Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties will be held on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. from October 2 until November 20. After a winter break, training continues from March 26 through April 30, followed by spring workshops chosen by participants. Class locations will be at the Knox-Lincoln Extension office in Waldoboro, and some may be at the Waldo Extension office in Waldo.

UMaine Extension educators, specialists, and industry experts provide research-based instruction along with a continuously updated on line manual, a valuable resource for Master Gardeners long after training. Participants who are certified after 40 hours of volunteer time also have access to horticultural news, and opportunities for advanced training. Seasoned Master Gardeners need only volunteer 20 hours a year to remain active, though many continue to be generous with their time.

The cost of this forty-five hour program is $220 and limited scholarships are available. For more information and an on line application, visit the Knox-Lincoln or Waldo Extension websites under educational programs: http://umaine.edu/knox-lincoln/educational-programs/master-gardeners/ . To request a paper application or disability accommodation, or if you're interested and do not have reliable Internet access, call 800-244-2104 (in Maine). Completed applications are due by Thursday, Sept. 18, and classes begin Thursday, Oct. 2.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension:

As a trusted resource for 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension helps support, sustain and grow the food-based economy. It is the only entity that touches every aspect of the Maine Food System, where policy, research, production, processing, commerce, nutrition, and food security and safety are integral and interrelated. UMaine Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H.