Washington County has been chosen by the Iowa State University extension as one of 16 host sites for master gardener winter training in 2013. The course includes 40 hours of web-based local training and a one day training session on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. Training covers several aspects of gardening from soil and weed management to botany and growing a wide variety of plants. In exchange for training participants are expected to share their time and knowledge within their local communities. Additional volunteer hours and ongoing educational updates are required to maintain active Master Gardener stats. For more information or to register for the program contact the Washington County Extension Office.