The Learning Store - a place of our own, online

As master gardeners providing education-based information to those seeking advice can be a challenge. As part of our responsibilities as MGVs we must choose our sources carefully. The University of Wisconsin Extension provides us with education not only in the classroom, but through publications that are inexpensive, and in many instances, free.

For master gardeners The Learning Store can serve as an invaluable resource when researching a plant disease, fighting an insect problem, looking for cultivation advice, or seeking propagation information. Topics range widely - from how to propagate African violets to how to Plan and Design the Home Landscape to how to start tomato sets.

The site is easily navigated, filled with free down-loadable pdfs as well as items that can be purchased by mail. Those items that do carry a price tag are, for the most part, reasonably priced.

When you run across a vexing problem, or an intriguing question, visit The Learning Store. One of the first publications you may want to peruse is Gardening and Home Grounds 2011-2012, a pocket-sized guide to publications that can make it even easier to find the publications that you need. Download it, print it and use it as a reference guide.