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A horticulture training course will be offered again this spring to Southern Nevada residents who would like to become certified Master Gardener volunteers with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

The training consists of approximately 70 hours of classroom from March 4 through May 22, 6-9 p.m.

Pahrump area residents may participate through video conference from the Cooperative Extension Office: 1651 E. Calvada Blvd., Pahrump.

Topics will include plant and soil science, fertility, irrigation, integrated pest management, turf, pruning, weeds and much more. University of Nevada faculty and staff, Master Gardeners and local horticulture specialists will teach the course.

All instruction will focus on the unique and challenging growing conditions found in Southern Nevada. A fee of $175 is charged to cover course materials.

In order to become a certified Master Gardener, each person who completes training is required to volunteer 50 hours of service per year with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

Many volunteer opportunities are available to satisfy this requirement including answering phones for a gardening advice line, assisting with management of a demonstration garden, assisting with plant selection and landscape design or helping to establish community, school and children's gardens.

An orientation meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Extension Office, 1651 E. Calvada Blvd. for prospective applicants.

To request registration information and reserve your place at the orientation, call 727-5532. Space is limited.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call Diane Herndon at 727-5532 at least three days prior to the pre-enrollment meeting.