DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The University of Illinois Extension Office in Macon County is helping Central Illinois residents with a green thumb grow their gardening knowledge.

A training event will teach participants how to become a certified master gardener.

The program is open to any adult interested in planting and agrees to at least 40 hours of training within two years at the extension office. 

Topics will include botany, soils, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs, grasses, landscaping, insects and diseases. 

Those who complete the course will receive an Illinois Gardener Training Certificate of Completion. 

Registration closes Aug. 18, and training will begin Sept. 15. Those interested in registering can visit the U of I's Extension website.

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