Master Gardeners are looking for a few good men —and women — for our once-a-year training program beginning January 12.

If you have an interest in gardening, want to make a difference in the community and be a responsible steward of our environment, then you may be a perfect candidate, says Jennifer Marquis, WSU Chelan Master Gardener coordinator.

“Widespread access to WSU Master Gardener training has never been more convenient,” says Marquis.

She explains this is the first year WSU has created an online training program so most of the training can be done right in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re not comfortable with computers, volunteers are ready to help you at the nearest branch of our North Central Washington Regional Library system. The libraries are also for those folks who are computer savvy but do not have high speed access in their homes.

“A soldier in Iraq has signed up for training this year,” explains Marquis. So the new format has greatly expanded learning possibilities beyond just those currently living in Chelan and Douglas counties.

Online training includes Power-Point presentations, video clips, hands-on activities, interactive quizzes and other resources. Most trainees will go to the WSU Chelan County Extension office at 400 Washington St., Wenatchee for classes, where they can become familiar with local resources and meet some of the 70 currently active Master Gardeners.

Classes will be held Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In addition, local experts will lead forums in these classes to familiarize you with local conditions.

The in-class sessions are optional but highly recommended.

WSU research-based information encourages sustainable gardening practices and covers a wide range of topics, including botany basics, soils, insects, plant identification, vegetable gardening and diagnosing plant problems.

After completing the 13-week course, students volunteer 100 hours in serving the community as home garden horticulture advisers. From my experience, this is where you really expand your knowledge and achieve the distinct pleasure of helping others.

At local Master Gardener clinics, some 600 people have been helped with their gardening questions and problems.

In addition to clinics, Master Gardeners help educate themselves and the community with the xeriscape garden in Riverfront Park, a new teaching and demonstration garden project just getting under way at the WSU Fruit Tree Research and Extension Center near the intersection of Western and Springwater avenues. Master Gardeners have a spring plant sale, spring and fall tours, potlucks and many opportunities to spend time together.

Cost of training is $150. The application deadline is Nov. 20. Visit the Extension office to pick up an application packet, or ask for one to be sent out to you by calling the office at 667-6540 or e-mailing Marquis at jgmarquis@wsu.edu. Check our Web site, www.ncw.wsu.edu for more information.

A WSU Master Gardeners of Chelan County column appears regularly in the Home, Garden section. Mary Fran McClure is one of four columnists featured.