DIXON — The University of Illinois Extension Office in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties is accepting applications for the 2018 Master Gardener Certification Course. Certified Master Gardeners are an integral part of the education outreach initiatives of the Extension office. The Master Gardener mission is helping others learn to grow.

Those interested need to register online at go.illinois.edu/CLWmgtraining or call the Whiteside office at 815-632-3611 for an application packet. Master Gardeners are individuals with an interest in horticulture willing to participate in 60 hours of classes taught by University of Illinois Educators. Then they agree to volunteer their time through their local office to teach others about gardening.

Local training classes will be held at Lee-Ogle Transportation System, 210 E. Progress Drive, Dixon, beginning Aug. 28. Classes will be Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Nov. 13. Class topics include botany, soils and fertilizer, ornamental grasses and landscape design, vegetables, fruits, insects, turf grass management, disease control, woodies and vines, annuals and perennials, and plant pathology.

Call the University of Illinois Extension Office at 815-632-3611 or register online to receive an application packet.