SPRINGVALE — The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is once again offering the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in York County and the application deadline has been extended to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 9.

The program begins in the new year and is for people who are interested in learning about different areas of horticulture to grow their own food, herbs and plants. It will explore a variety of topics including soils, botany, seed starting, ornamental horticulture, growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, composting, landscaping, pruning and pest management.

Upon applying and being accepted into the program, there are requirements to complete the program which includes the completion of volunteer hours.

“Anyone who takes the class must volunteer hours to be certified,” said Susan Tkacik, the Community Education Assistant at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

These hours are contributed to community gardening projects like the Maine Harvest for Hunger or Kids Can Grow.

Tkacik said that after someone becomes certified as a Master Gardener, then they must contribute a designated number of hours to be considered active.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer training program will include guidance from UMaine Extension specialists, educators and other people who are experts in the field. Classes will meet Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting Jan. 30 and will run through mid-June.

Classes will meet at the Kennedy Center, located at 15 Oak St, Springvale.

According to Tkacike, the program is offered every year and similar classes might be available in other counties at varying times of year.

She said that the York County program has been running since the 1980s and the members of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program range from student-age participants to people that have been involved since the program’s beginning.

A factor as to why the program has been thriving, Tkacik said, is because of the benefits that serve the community and the Master Gardeners themselves.

Master Gardeners and those in the program have the opportunity to contribute to their communities while volunteering time doing what they’re interested in: gardening. They go to assist in other organizations such as Maine Harvest for Hunger or Kids Can Grow and get involved planting things that will grow and thrive at their best. They also get to bond with people who share the same interests.

“They form a sense of community with like-minded people,” Tkacik said. “This offers a chance for growth amongst a community in more ways than one.”

There is a program fee of $220 with limited sourcing of financial assistance for the program. For an application packet, or to request a disability accommodation, call UMaine Extension in York County, 800-287-1535 or 324-2814.

Program information and applications are also online at: extension.umaine.edu/york/programs/master-gardener-volunteer-program.