The Berkeley-Jefferson Extension Master Gardener Association (BJEMGA) is accepting applications through July 7 for the 2017 WVU Extension Master Gardener Training Course. This 12-week course starts Aug. 21.

Classes are held Mondays from 12-4 p.m. at the Hospice of the Panhandle in Kearneysville.

The course provides comprehensive horticultural training on a broad range of topics such as basic botany, soils, trees and shrubs, flower, herb and vegetable gardening, pest management, landscaping, etc.

Course requirements include weekly reading assignments, group presentations on a gardening topic, and completion of an open book final exam.

The $100 course fee pays for the comprehensive Master Gardener Training Manual and additional educational materials. The course is taught by WVU Extension staff, Extension Master Gardeners and other gardening experts.

Volunteer service in gardening education is the primary focus of the BJEMGA. Intern graduates are given ample opportunity to complete the volunteer requirements.

More information and applications for the Extension Master Gardener Training Course are available at the Berkeley County Extension office at 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 302 in Martinsburg, WV. Applications may also be downloaded from the website at www.berkeley.ext.wvu.edu.

For more information contact the Extension office at 304-264-1936.