rainbowgardener wrote:I've thought off and on about taking the master gardener class, but I have two concerns:
1) that they will be teaching about use of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides etc, which I don't want to learn and which would just get me in arguments with the teacher
2) given twenty years gardening experience, lots of reading, and two years on this forum, do they really have much to say that I don't know already.
I'd love to hear your comments about the course, what was covered, from what view point (organic vs chemical gardening, etc) at what level of depth and technicality. It would help me decide whether or not to take the course.
I am a
Tennessee Master Gardener, and might be able to shed some light on your concerns. I'm sure the programs and organizations vary somewhat from state-to-state, and even county-to-county... but I imagine they also share many similarities.
#1. Yes, they will cover the use of herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. But, that doesn't mean you have to follow those recommendations. Life is too short to argue with the "convential Ag" folks... so, I say just take the information that's good and useful for you, and leave the rest.
One of my best friends, who I met when I took the
Master Gardener class, is giving a presentation to our current "
Garden Basics" class (tomorrow); and his presentation is devoted entirely to
organic gardening!
#2. There is always something new to learn.
But, above and beyond that, I think the
Master Gardener program can be a perfect place for someone with your experience, to "pay it forward" by sharing your knowledge with others in your community.
Just as the
HG Forum provides a great online community for folks to share gardening knowledge and fellowship; I find the
Master Gardener organization to be a great place to have that same sharing experience on a local and state level.
I would encourage you to check into your local
Master Gardener program; I bet you would make lots of new gardening friends there.
Also,
Master Gardeners teach a lot of the classes. So, that can provide
YOU with the opportunity to add more
organics instruction to the program... thereby making a very positive impact on your
Master Gardener group and your community.