Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Class in Jackson County trains volunteers in all aspects of plant science, horticulture, and practical hands-on experience. Delve into growing gardens, fruit trees, lawns and landscape plants, soil management and plant nutrition. Identify plant pests and problems and how to treat them. Fourteen weeks of intensive classroom instruction supplemented by three hours per week learning practical planting techniques certify volunteers to garden using research-based science. In addition, 70 hours of educational community service are required to complete certification. Volunteers answer questions from the public in the Plant Clinic, maintain demonstration gardens, teach children gardening skills, present gardening classes, and engage in helping the community with gardening projects.