Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener ClassThe Louisiana Master Gardener Program is a volunteer development program offered by the LSU AgCenter. Master Gardener volunteers are highly trained and provide proven, research-based educational programs to Louisiana residents.
In 2021, Louisiana trained 274 new volunteers. Together, new and tenured volunteers provided 54,477 hours of volunteer service throughout the state. These hours equate to nearly 30 full-time employees and an economic impact of just over $1.6 million dollars. Additionally, volunteers continued their education by completing over 14,000 continuing education units (CEUs) in 2020. Since its inception in 1994, more than 3,500 individuals have participated in the program to become certified Louisiana Master Gardeners. Certified Louisiana Master Gardeners in good standing were given a unique opportunity to further their knowledge. The Advanced Louisiana Master Gardener Program debuted in 2015 and so far, over 110 individuals have obtained this advanced status. At the heart of the Louisiana Master Gardener program is our volunteers. Volunteers assist Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service personnel extend the educational arm of the university to the public by providing horticultural information based on university research and recommendations. In other words, the Louisiana Master Gardener program is a place for volunteers to have a fun, educational experience while serving the community in which they live. The Louisiana Master Gardener Program is represented at the national level by the National Extension Master Gardener network. Our National Mission: Extension Master Gardener programs educate people, engaging them in learning to use unbiased, research-based horticulture and gardening practices through a network of trained volunteers directed and supported by land-grant university faculty and staff. The Extension Master Gardener national mission statement and program standards were developed by the Extension Master Gardener Task Force in 2013 and adopted by the Extension Master Gardener National Committee in January 2014.
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Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners' Class 2024
January 25, the 2024 master gardener class will meet for the first time. Pictures will be taken, paper work will be completed, handbooks will be handed out and the class will complete a pretest. Watch here for pictures of the new class of 2024!
January 25, 2024
The 2024 master gardener class met for the first time and had their pictures taken for the directory as well as met the master garden class committee. Mark Wilson, NW Region horticulturist and liaison for the master gardener program shared the History and volunteer development of the master gardener program in Louisiana. Class members took the pretest, received their manuals and learn how to enter hours for any volunteering they do over the year to achieve their required 40 hours. Homework was assigned, both in the manual and for a lab project. The 2024 class is going to be great and filled with 30 members!
The 2024 master gardener class met for the first time and had their pictures taken for the directory as well as met the master garden class committee. Mark Wilson, NW Region horticulturist and liaison for the master gardener program shared the History and volunteer development of the master gardener program in Louisiana. Class members took the pretest, received their manuals and learn how to enter hours for any volunteering they do over the year to achieve their required 40 hours. Homework was assigned, both in the manual and for a lab project. The 2024 class is going to be great and filled with 30 members!
February 1, 2024
The 2024 master gardener class met for the first full class session. Kerry Heafner, NE Region Horticulture Agent led the class in "Plant Botany and Propagation." After lunch, members of the Northwest Region master gardeners' greenhouse committee met the the class and shared opportunities for the class to begin getting volunteer hours. The plant sale directors and greenhouse committee members assisted with the propagation lab. The weather was so beautiful that the class was able to be outside to finish the day with the lab.
The master gardener class committee assists during the class and with the breaks and lunch. Other members attend the class to share their role in the NWLAMG organization. This week, the 2024 President, Lynn Burke spoke to the class, as well as, John Rowell, plant sale co-director and greenhouse committee member.
The 2024 master gardener class met for the first full class session. Kerry Heafner, NE Region Horticulture Agent led the class in "Plant Botany and Propagation." After lunch, members of the Northwest Region master gardeners' greenhouse committee met the the class and shared opportunities for the class to begin getting volunteer hours. The plant sale directors and greenhouse committee members assisted with the propagation lab. The weather was so beautiful that the class was able to be outside to finish the day with the lab.
The master gardener class committee assists during the class and with the breaks and lunch. Other members attend the class to share their role in the NWLAMG organization. This week, the 2024 President, Lynn Burke spoke to the class, as well as, John Rowell, plant sale co-director and greenhouse committee member.
February 8, 2024
During the 3rd class session, the 2024 master gardener class learned alot about entomology from the Ascension Parish Agent for the LSU AgCenter, Mariah Simoneaux. They learned about identifying pests, methods of controlling pests and insect control. During the lab, class members reviewed insect feeding types and pesticides and then participated in scenarios where they had to id the pest and determine how to treat the pest problem.
The 2024 master gardener class also picked out their master gardener t-shirts that member Linda Hammond is in charge of ordering.
During the 3rd class session, the 2024 master gardener class learned alot about entomology from the Ascension Parish Agent for the LSU AgCenter, Mariah Simoneaux. They learned about identifying pests, methods of controlling pests and insect control. During the lab, class members reviewed insect feeding types and pesticides and then participated in scenarios where they had to id the pest and determine how to treat the pest problem.
The 2024 master gardener class also picked out their master gardener t-shirts that member Linda Hammond is in charge of ordering.
February 15, 2024
Dr. Raghuwinder (Raj) Singh, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology State Extension Specialist taught the 2024 master gardeners class about Plant Pathology. The topics were plant diseases, how disease affects plants, controlling plant disease including cultural means of control and chemical and non-chemical control of plant disease. During the lab, class members reviewed the different plant pathogen categories and then had to id the pathogen and how to treat the disease.
Dr. Raghuwinder (Raj) Singh, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology State Extension Specialist taught the 2024 master gardeners class about Plant Pathology. The topics were plant diseases, how disease affects plants, controlling plant disease including cultural means of control and chemical and non-chemical control of plant disease. During the lab, class members reviewed the different plant pathogen categories and then had to id the pathogen and how to treat the disease.
February 22, 2024
Such an entertaining presentation on Vegetable Culture (Olericulture) by Allesandro Holzapfel, LSU! The students listed to the importance of site preparation, seedbed preparation and crop rotation as well as which vegetables were great for cool seasons and warm seasons as well as being beautiful in the landscape. The lab consisted of a review of vegetable plant families and then each group had a different scenario where they had to select the best plants for their sites. After presenting their plans, some of the class members went out to the beds and planted vegetable seeds.
Such an entertaining presentation on Vegetable Culture (Olericulture) by Allesandro Holzapfel, LSU! The students listed to the importance of site preparation, seedbed preparation and crop rotation as well as which vegetables were great for cool seasons and warm seasons as well as being beautiful in the landscape. The lab consisted of a review of vegetable plant families and then each group had a different scenario where they had to select the best plants for their sites. After presenting their plans, some of the class members went out to the beds and planted vegetable seeds.
February 29, 2024
John Monzingo, County Agent, Claiborne and Webster Parishes, LSU AgCenter presented the lecture on Soils, Soil Moisture and Nutrition. Topics discussed were Soil types and preparation, Nutrients, fertilizers, amendments, pH; Site development including evaluating the site and drainage. In the lab, a discussion of basics of composting and types of composting and vermiculture was held. The class then went outside and built their own compost pile with materials that they brought to the class, including leaves/small twigs or green garden waste.
John Monzingo, County Agent, Claiborne and Webster Parishes, LSU AgCenter presented the lecture on Soils, Soil Moisture and Nutrition. Topics discussed were Soil types and preparation, Nutrients, fertilizers, amendments, pH; Site development including evaluating the site and drainage. In the lab, a discussion of basics of composting and types of composting and vermiculture was held. The class then went outside and built their own compost pile with materials that they brought to the class, including leaves/small twigs or green garden waste.
March 7, 2024
Weed Science & Lawn Care
Dr. Ron Strahan, Associate Professor, Weed State Extension Specialist and Director of the NW Region, Research Station presented an "Intro to weed science" including weed types, weed ID, pesticide safety and "Basics of Lawn Care" including selection of turf, installation and maintenance and turf problems. For the lab the students upsized the super plant plugs for the gardens into 4" pots to get them ready for planting later in the season.
Weed Science & Lawn Care
Dr. Ron Strahan, Associate Professor, Weed State Extension Specialist and Director of the NW Region, Research Station presented an "Intro to weed science" including weed types, weed ID, pesticide safety and "Basics of Lawn Care" including selection of turf, installation and maintenance and turf problems. For the lab the students upsized the super plant plugs for the gardens into 4" pots to get them ready for planting later in the season.
March 14, 2024
General Fruit and Nut Culture (Pomology)
Mark Wilson, NW Regional Horticulture Agent & MG Coordinator, LSU AgCenter presented "General Fruit Culture (Pomology)" which included site selection and general cultural practices, "Tree Fruits for Louisiana" including the best varieties of stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines), pome fruits (apples and pears) and pecans & minor fruits including berries, fig, and kiwis. Students analyzed and interpreted soil test results.
General Fruit and Nut Culture (Pomology)
Mark Wilson, NW Regional Horticulture Agent & MG Coordinator, LSU AgCenter presented "General Fruit Culture (Pomology)" which included site selection and general cultural practices, "Tree Fruits for Louisiana" including the best varieties of stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines), pome fruits (apples and pears) and pecans & minor fruits including berries, fig, and kiwis. Students analyzed and interpreted soil test results.
March 21, 2024
The 2024 Master Gardener Class studied Plant Material on the second to last class of the season. The Class was online and presented by Jessie Hoover, East Feliciana Parish County Agent. They were introduced to Ornamental plant materials including woody shrubs and trees and Herbaceous plants which included annuals, perennials, bulbs and tropicals. For the lab, students were asked to ID plants based on leaves and leaf arrangement and worked in groups.
The 2024 Master Gardener Class studied Plant Material on the second to last class of the season. The Class was online and presented by Jessie Hoover, East Feliciana Parish County Agent. They were introduced to Ornamental plant materials including woody shrubs and trees and Herbaceous plants which included annuals, perennials, bulbs and tropicals. For the lab, students were asked to ID plants based on leaves and leaf arrangement and worked in groups.
March 28, 2024
The final class of the year was taught by John Monzingo, County Agent, Claiborne and Webster Parishes, LSU AgCenter. He taught the students about Pesticides and the Environment, which includes pesticide safety and water quality. READ the Label and chemical rotation was discussed in the lab. The students reviewed their final exams.
At the end of the class, students heard from chairs of NWLAMG committees.
The final class of the year was taught by John Monzingo, County Agent, Claiborne and Webster Parishes, LSU AgCenter. He taught the students about Pesticides and the Environment, which includes pesticide safety and water quality. READ the Label and chemical rotation was discussed in the lab. The students reviewed their final exams.
At the end of the class, students heard from chairs of NWLAMG committees.
Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners' Class 2023
Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener Class of 2023
(Individual pictures of class members receiving certificates can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Mark always tells the class, "read the label." Dr. Joe White, original founder of the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener Class in 1998.
First day for the class of 2023
January 26, 2023
NWLAMG class met for the first time, completed paperwork, received handbook, had pictures made for the directory and took a pretest. Class members were told a lot of information about the NWLAMG program and its projects! The bulb committee was planting bulbs in the propagation beds this day and after class, a couple of members stopped by to see the project, ask questions about our duties and even began volunteering that day! Click here to see the propagation beds behind the NWLAMG office. The class of 36 is the largest one NWLAMG have had.
NWLAMG class met for the first time, completed paperwork, received handbook, had pictures made for the directory and took a pretest. Class members were told a lot of information about the NWLAMG program and its projects! The bulb committee was planting bulbs in the propagation beds this day and after class, a couple of members stopped by to see the project, ask questions about our duties and even began volunteering that day! Click here to see the propagation beds behind the NWLAMG office. The class of 36 is the largest one NWLAMG have had.
February 2, 2023
The 2023 class learned about botany and plant propagation, Mark Wilson was the speaker. For the lab, the class went to the greenhouse and had hands-on activities for propagating plants through cuttings and division. Sadie Bolyer and Mark Wilson instructed them on both methods.
The 2023 class learned about botany and plant propagation, Mark Wilson was the speaker. For the lab, the class went to the greenhouse and had hands-on activities for propagating plants through cuttings and division. Sadie Bolyer and Mark Wilson instructed them on both methods.
February 9, 2023
Today the class was led by John Monzingo, County Agent. They learned about soils, soil moisture and nutrition. The lab activity was composting and propagation. They even worked on potting up the superplants for the front beds!
Today the class was led by John Monzingo, County Agent. They learned about soils, soil moisture and nutrition. The lab activity was composting and propagation. They even worked on potting up the superplants for the front beds!
February 16, 2023
For the first time, the 2025 class went virtual. Dr. H. Kirk-Ballard, Asst. Professor- Consumer Hort. Ext. Spec., joined the class to speak about plant material. After lunch the lab was an activity to identify Louisiana trees and leaves. Members worked in groups to see how many they could identify!
For the first time, the 2025 class went virtual. Dr. H. Kirk-Ballard, Asst. Professor- Consumer Hort. Ext. Spec., joined the class to speak about plant material. After lunch the lab was an activity to identify Louisiana trees and leaves. Members worked in groups to see how many they could identify!
February 23, 2023
The members of the 25th NWLAMG class learned all about vegetables on this day from Alessandro Holzapfel, Research Associate with the LSU AgCenter. He is currently working on statewide vegetable research including field and laboratory trials involving specialty and commodity crops. For the lab, students designed a layout for a vegetable garden.
The members of the 25th NWLAMG class learned all about vegetables on this day from Alessandro Holzapfel, Research Associate with the LSU AgCenter. He is currently working on statewide vegetable research including field and laboratory trials involving specialty and commodity crops. For the lab, students designed a layout for a vegetable garden.
March 2, 2023
Mark Wilson, LSU Ag Center NW Region Horticulture Agent and MG Coordinator presented information on fruit and nut trees. The MG class also tried on MG aprons, shirts and t-shirts and placed their orders.
Mark Wilson, LSU Ag Center NW Region Horticulture Agent and MG Coordinator presented information on fruit and nut trees. The MG class also tried on MG aprons, shirts and t-shirts and placed their orders.
March 9, 2023
The 2023 MG class learned about weed science, weed prevention and lawn care this Thursday with a lab about soil testing. John Monzingo, County Agent returned to lead the class. Great information about organic pesticides and always reading the labels and following the directions!
The 2023 MG class learned about weed science, weed prevention and lawn care this Thursday with a lab about soil testing. John Monzingo, County Agent returned to lead the class. Great information about organic pesticides and always reading the labels and following the directions!
March 16, 2023
Bentley Fitzpatrick - Northwest Region Entomologist, LSU AgCenter was the presenter for this Thursday. The Master Gardener Class of 2023 learned about identification, control alternatives and insect control and conducted scenario group activities for the lab.
Bentley Fitzpatrick - Northwest Region Entomologist, LSU AgCenter was the presenter for this Thursday. The Master Gardener Class of 2023 learned about identification, control alternatives and insect control and conducted scenario group activities for the lab.
March 23, 2023
Dr. Raghuwinder (Raj) Singh, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology State Extension Specialist discussed plant diseases, how disease affects plants and how to control plant disease. Directors and/or members from various NWLAMG committees began speaking to the class about their respective committees, including the Plant Sale Committee, the Greenhouse Committee, the Bulb Sale Committee and the website. Dr. Ron Strahan, NW Region AgCenter Director, spoke to the class as well.
Dr. Raghuwinder (Raj) Singh, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology State Extension Specialist discussed plant diseases, how disease affects plants and how to control plant disease. Directors and/or members from various NWLAMG committees began speaking to the class about their respective committees, including the Plant Sale Committee, the Greenhouse Committee, the Bulb Sale Committee and the website. Dr. Ron Strahan, NW Region AgCenter Director, spoke to the class as well.
March 30, 2023
The last master gardener class of 2023! They have made it through 10 weeks of classes and labs and learned many things about being a master gardener and more importantly, science based information to share with the public about gardening, plants, grass, weeds, herbicides, pesticides, insects and botany.
Mr. Bryan Gueltig, Extension Associate was the speaker and shared with the 2023 class all about Pesticide safety and water quality and label reading and chemical rotation. Although the class is over, their journey is just beginning! They have their first event opportunity to start getting volunteer hours on March 31 and April 1 by volunteering to set up the plant sale and work the sale on Saturday!
The last master gardener class of 2023! They have made it through 10 weeks of classes and labs and learned many things about being a master gardener and more importantly, science based information to share with the public about gardening, plants, grass, weeds, herbicides, pesticides, insects and botany.
Mr. Bryan Gueltig, Extension Associate was the speaker and shared with the 2023 class all about Pesticide safety and water quality and label reading and chemical rotation. Although the class is over, their journey is just beginning! They have their first event opportunity to start getting volunteer hours on March 31 and April 1 by volunteering to set up the plant sale and work the sale on Saturday!
Individual pictures of class of 2023 receiving certificates and name badges.