Master gardener classes scheduled in Fairbanks

Red and orange sunflower with a bee resting in the middle.
Photo by Julie Stricker
The master gardener classes teach the fundamentals of growing flowers and vegetables in Interior Alaska, such as this sunflower in a Fairbanks garden.

Registration is open for spring master gardener classes in Fairbanks.

The classes teach the fundamentals of gardening. Topics covered include botany, soil science, entomology, greenhouse design and management, organic and conventional fertilization, lawn care, vegetable-growing techniques specific to Alaska, and more.

Completion of the course can lead to the official title of Alaska master gardener. Participants who want the title also must commit to volunteer 40 hours of community service involving horticulture.

The Fairbanks course, taught by Tamara Bell, will be held in person at the Tanana District Office, 1000 University Ave. Classes will meet Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m., March 20-June 5.

Register online at . The fee is $250 and includes all materials.Stephen Brown, the agriculture and horticulture agent for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service in Palmer, will oversee the series.

For more information, contact Brown at scbrown4@alaska.edu, 907-745-3639, or Bell, tneb9405@gmail.com, 907-388-6365.

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