Master Gardener Classes

If you have ever thought of becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, NOW is the time to register! Chilton County classes will be held at the Chilton County Extension Office February 3rd through May 5. SAVE $50 if you register and pay between Nov. 3 and Dec 19! Registration closes Jan 23. For more information see flyer or call (205)280-6268
Here’s the link to online registration Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom!
HTTPS://www.aces.edu/go/2022springMGclass

Straw Bale Gardening

Straw bale gardening was the program for our September meeting. Eric Schavey, ACES Regional Extension Agent in Commercial Horticulture, taught us the 10 day process to prepare a straw bale for growing vegetables, herbs and even annuals. The items needed are the straw bale, ammonium sulfate, water, fertilizer (8-8-8) and lime. Transplants work best for this type of gardening. Eric was a great speaker and we really enjoyed his presentation. He even left all the items used in his presentation for door prizes!
Photos by Diane Clapp and Audrey Giles

September program speaker Eric Schavey
Members enjoying fellowship at Sept. meeting
Top- Mildred Knowles and Trisha Williams
Bottom- Jimmy Knowles, Jerry Farmer, and Alan Reed

Let’s Grow Herbs

What a treat to hold our June meeting at Petals From the Past! Our own Betsy Smith, who is working on her advanced certification on Herbs, was our speaker. She taught us about the five herb families and their growing needs such as amount of sun, soil type, water needs, and space and duration (perennial or annual). The families are mint, aster, carrot, amaryllis and laurel and of course she gave us the scientific names for each family.

Betsy also gave us handouts: one about all the different herb families and another on how to gather and dry herbs. We also enjoyed passing around the potted herbs she had for us to touch and smell. Who knew there were so many types of mint and thyme available and she didn’t even have them all!

Following the meeting a tour of Petals From the Past was available and that is always a fun learning experience.

Photos by Diane Clapp and Ruby Moberg

Betsy showing herbs
Betsy Smith presents “Herbs!”
Herbs
Herb handouts
Snacks
Snacks handouts made by Lyn Webb
Shoes with Herbs on them
Betsy’s shoes match the presentation!!
Betsy Smith makes presentation
Betsy Smith presents program on Herbs.

Rain boots and April Flowers

Bright rain boots filled with spring flowers welcomed us to our April Chilton County Master Gardener meeting, thanks to Hospitality leader, Lyn Webb.

Congratulations to Intern Joan Crocker, who was awarded her Master Gardener badge and certificate.

 Mollie Smith, Auburn School of Fisheries manager, presented a program on Aquaponics. She described the system used at AU and also showed how a smaller scale home version could be set up. Fish are grown in tanks and the water is used to water and fertilize plants. The fish, usually Tilapia, are also harvested. AU has had great success growing vine crops with their system. 

 Photos by Diane Clapp.

Charla with program speaker
V.P. Charla Giles and speaker Mollie Smith
Joan Crocker received certificate
Joan Crocker
speaker Mollie Smith
Speaker Mollie Smith, A U Fisheries Manager
Hospitality lead Lyn Webb
Hospitality Lead Lyn Webb
Members enjoy the meeting
Members at meeting 4-21

Peach Outdoor Ask a MG

Peach Automotive and Outdoor held a “Spring Garden Event” at their Clanton 205 location on March 12. This was a live event to kick off the spring gardening season. The day was all about gardening, tractors, seeds, free food and drawings. Master Gardeners Jerry Farmer and Alan Reed were there manning the “Ask A Master Gardener” table to answer any gardening questions. Photo by Jerry Farmer.

Ask a MG at Spring event

Ask A Master Gardener

Chilton County Master Gardeners have “Ask A Master Gardener” tables set up at Garrison’s Farm & Home Center in Thorsby February 27 through April 10, and Holleywood Nurseries in Clanton April 3 through April 17. We are always glad to be able to answer any questions about planting and growing vegetables and flowers.

Congratulations Interns!

Master Gardener Interns have had a difficult time earning volunteer hours to become certified this past year due to, of course, COVID 19 restrictions. CCMGA is pleased to congratulate Patricia Agee, Gail Brooks, Linda Church, Julie Garris, Sharon Hosch, Jane Rabey, Jim Rabey and Rae Ann Wright on becoming certified Alabama Master Gardeners during this difficult year. Volunteer activities included not only gardening activities but even mask making! There are eight more 2020 Interns working towards their certification and we encourage them to help with upcoming Master Gardener volunteer opportunities as much as possible!

Patricia Agee
Jim Rabey
Linda Church
Jane Rabey
Sharon Hosch getting certificate
Julie Garris
Rae Ann Wright

More Interns Finish their tests!

Due to the Covid-19 Stay at Home order, the 2020 Chilton County Master Gardener class members have been studying and completing tests on the remaining class topics at home. The ones shown below have all turned in their tests and passed with flying colors! Once we can hold classes again we will reschedule the remaining classes. We look forward to the time when they can join our association members in MG and Extension activities and complete certification requirements.