WARSAW — The Master Gardener Program will hold its first fall class meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. The first class will serve as an introduction.

During this program, you can learn all about horticulture, including plant science, plant nutrition, soils, pesticides, insect pests, vegetables, flowers, fruits, lawns and much more.

In the first class, materials will be distributed and attendees will have the opportunity to meet current members of the program. There will also be a class at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, with all remaining classes on Tuesday evenings beginning Oct. 1 and continuing until Dec. 17. Sessions will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in Warsaw at the Purdue Extension Office, located in the county annex at 202 W. Main St.

County and state horticulture specialists and current Master Gardeners will provide the instruction. The registration fee for this training is $175 per individual or $225 per couple with registration forms completed by Sept. 3. This includes the cost for program maintenance, supplies, one soil test and reference materials. Participants are expected to attend all class sessions, take a final examination and then complete 40 hours of volunteer service to receive a Master Gardener certificate.

The volunteer commitment can be fulfilled by helping the Extension Service teach other gardeners by giving talks to community organizations, plant clinics, staffing fair booths and similar services. Participants are free to decide what area of service they want to work in to obtain volunteer hours.

The Master Gardener program is one way that the Purdue Cooperative Extension Services puts knowledge to work and helps people grow throughout Indiana. This volunteer program helps gardeners grow by providing them with intensive training in horticultural principles. Participants, in turn, share their knowledge by providing volunteer leadership and service to their communities.

Contact the Kosciusko County Extension Office at (574) 372-2340, stop by the county annex building at 202 W. Main St. to get an application packet, or visit the county website at www.extension.purdue/edu/kosciusko.