• Expand capability of Extension to disseminate home horticultural information
• Develop community programs related to horticulutre
• Support 4-H youth gardening programs and contests
• Develop a self-sufficient volunteer network

• Enhance county home horticulture on behalf of, and under the supervision of, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, through volunteer work.
• Represent the Mississippi State University Extension Service in a professional manner.
• Adhere to the policies of the Mississippi Master Gardeners program.

Some examples of Master Gardener volunteer service projects are:

• Answering telephone hotline
• Exhibits at fairs/malls/shows
• Demonstration/teaching gardens
• Newsletter publication
• School gardens
• Plant clinics
• Speakers bureau
• Office work
• New class coordinator

   Pinebelt Master Gardeners program is located in Forrest and Lamar Counties of South Mississippi.  The meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, usually at the Forrest County Extension Office in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

   The plant zone of this area is zone 8.  There are four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures of 80-100 degrees begins in middle May and continues through late October.  A short Fall temperature follows through late December with mild temperatures of 50-60 degrees.  Temperatures usually turn colder through February and can get into the 20's at night.  Spring is a beautiful time in South Mississippi with azaleas, dogwoods, Indian Hawthornes, redbuds, cherries, pansies, and snapdragons blooming in the area.  Spring temperatures range from the 50's to the 80's. 

         NEW MASTER
      GARDENER CLASS
   
   The 2008 Master Gardening training class has ended for this year.  15 new members completed the required 40 hours of education.  Information about the 2010 class will be published in December, 2009.

   No previous experience or training is necessary to become a Master Gardener.  A willingness to learn and share knowledge with others and a personal commitment to volunteerism is necessary. 

   Participants must complete an application (obtained at the county extension office), pay a nominal fee, and go through 40 hours of instruction on horticulture and related topics.  To become certified, a trainee must complete 40 hours of approved volunteer service within one year of training. To remain active, Master Gardeners must complete 12 hours of education and 20 hours of approved service every year.

Topics of class instruction include:

• Ornamentals
• Lawns
• Vegetables
• Fruits and Nuts
• Entomology
• Plant diseases
• Soils
• Weed Science
• Basic Botany
• Plant Propagation

    The benefits are: receive inexpensive and invaluable training, receive a Master Gardener Manual and CD, interact with individuals with similar interests, and gain horticultural expertise.  Opportunities for leadership, public speaking and membership in the Mississippi Master Gardener Association are also benefits.

Lamar County Fall Garden Day