Master Gardener Intern status awarded to 9 county residents
BY JOE DANIEL SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Cherokee County's 2006-07 Master Gardener Interns include Amanda Childress, Bertie Johnson, Emma Hill, Claude Menard, Keith Billings, Dan Cates and Vivian Cates.

Texas Master Gardener Intern status was recently awarded to nine Cherokee County residents. Amanda Childress, Claude Menard, Bertie Johnson, Keith Billings, Emma Hill, Bettye Grimes, Nathan Grimes, Dan Cates and Vivian Cates were recognized for completion of 50 hours of instruction. Intern status marks the half-way point to their becoming Texas Certified Master Gardeners.

They learned it is wise to invest $20 in a water test before spending hundreds on plants like azaleas, blueberries and others that need an abundance of high quality water. Interns said the young man at the feed store who preached "lime that garden" is wise beyond his years. They understand that pH greatly influences the solubility of needed plant nutrients and that roots only take up nutrients in solution.

Interns have learned that a less than fully ripe persimmon can be eaten if it is a nonastringent variety like Fuyu, Jiro, or Imoto is selected. Interns have learned to use oriental persimmons as Thanksgiving table decorations and enjoy them with a meal weeks after the turkey is gone.

Master Gardener certification is a program of the Texas Cooperative Extension. Participants must receive 50 hours of training in fruit, vegetable and ornamental gardening and volunteer 50 hours of service within one year of completed training to become a "Certified Master Gardener."

Registration is underway in Cherokee County for the 2007-08 class. Interested persons may obtain additional information or register by calling the Cherokee County office of the Texas Cooperative Extension at (903) 683- 5416. Cost of the course is $85.

Mr. Daniel is the Cherokee County Extension Service Horticulturist.