ESCANABA — Fall is here and the gardening season may be wrapping up, but a number of Delta, Dickinson, Menominee, and Schoolcraft residents are still ‘thinking’ gardening. They are participating in the Michigan Extension Master Gardener class. Learning about various gardening topics, experiencing local horticulture via fieldtrips, and engaging in hands-on workshops, these students from multiple generations are sharing their gardening passion and interests.

Held at Bay de Noc’s main campus, the class meets Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Optional fieldtrips meet prior to the class start. Visited locations included guided tours of the MSU Biomass Research Center, Upper Peninsula’s Research & Extension Center’s North Farm, Bay de Noc’s biology greenhouse, the Escanaba Community Garden, Chenier’s Greenhouse, and the Serenity Garden.

Thus far, participants have learned about soils, water quality, plant science, integrated pest management, lawns, woody ornamentals, and annuals and perennials as they relate to gardening. Taught by a Michigan State University educator or specialist or an Upper Peninsula topic specialist, each week features a different speaker and activity. Feedback from current class members include, “I never knew there was so much to learn about soil, and “I am thoroughly enjoying everything about this class.”

If you would like to learn more about the Michigan Extension Master Gardener program, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/master_gardener_volunteer_program/ or contact Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension consumer horticulture educator, Upper Peninsula Extension Master Gardener coordinator, at kransr@msu.edu or 906-875-0606.