HERMISTON -- If you are a gardener -- at any accomplished level -- looking to learn more and share this common labor of love with others, consider becoming an Oregon State University Master Gardener.

Training will begin Feb. 7 and continue each Tuesday for eight weeks. Classes will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break, at the Hermiston Agricultural Research Extension Center, 2121 S. First St., Hermiston.

Classes will be taught by OSU Extension agents, specialists, and local garden and landscaping experts.

The program offers a basic, practical course in plant science, and includes topics such as: plant disease identification and treatment, weed control, insect identification with integrated pest management control, understanding soil types and fertility needed for specific plant species, growing healthy vegetables, lawn maintenance and more. Training will include basic landscaping emphasis on plants native to Northeastern Oregon.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 10. For an application packet and additional information, call the OSU Extension Service at 541-278-5403. Application materials also are available online at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/umatilla/mg.

Class fee is $115, which includes the course textbook binder, Sustainable Gardening: The Oregon-Washington Gardener Handbook.

Complete 30 hours of volunteer work through helping in demonstration gardens, plant clinics and other community outreach venues and $50 of the class fee will be refunded.