As winter continues in Eastern Oregon, many local residents are looking forward to spring and time in the garden.

The Oregon State University Extension Service can help gardeners get a head start in two ways: official Master Gardener certifications and community classes.

OSU Master Gardener

The OSU Extension Master Gardener program teaches sustainable gardening skills, plant and insect identification, techniques for growing local food, native species conservation, soil health, adaptive and accessible gardening and how to adapt landscapes to climate change.

The program is offered in 27 counties in Oregon, and those who complete the course become volunteer educators who provide information at farmers markets, answer questions on Master Gardener hotlines, research questions and more.

According to the OSU Extension Service, Oregon has more than 2,700 active Master Gardeners.

MG Courses

Union County and Baker County alternate years for hosting Master Gardener classes.

This year is Union County’s turn. The classes begin with orientation on Jan. 21 and continue through May 6. The cost is $155 (scholarships are available). The deadline to apply is Jan. 20 at https://beav.es/5dJ.

Baker County residents can take the classes in Union County and complete their volunteer hours in Baker.

Umatilla County’s classes begin in mid-February and continue through June. Registration is open Jan. 21 to Feb. 3. The cost is $135, or $100 with a scholarship. Also, there is a $50 rebate for those who certify as Master Gardener volunteers by Oct. 31. This program includes 18 online learning modules and one to two in-person workshops each month in Hermiston. For information, email Amanda Woodlee, amanda.woodlee@oregonstate.edu.

To become a certified Master Gardener volunteer, participants must complete the course, pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, and fulfill 40 hours of volunteer service on behalf of the program.

For more information, visit beav.es/UQG.

Community classes

Community classes are open to the public.

In Union County, the cost is $15 for weekday classes, and Saturday workshops are $25 or $35. Another option is a class pass for $140 if purchased by Feb. 4. For a full list of classes, and to register, call 541-963-1010. Classes meet at Union County’s OSU Extension Service office, 10507 N. McAlister Road in La Grande.

Baker County is offering a series of community classes based on “Building Blocks of Your Landscape.” These will be held on Saturdays starting at 9 a.m. at the OSU Extension Service’s Baker County office, 2600 East St.

The seven classes in the series cost $15 for half a day and $25 for a full day — or sign up for all classes for $100. For a full listing of the classes and subjects, and to register, call 541-523-6418.

Community Garden Classes in Union County

These garden classes meet at the Union County Extension Service, 10507 N. McAlister Road in La Grande. Register by calling 541-963-1010. A pass for all these workshops is $140.

• Jan. 28, 5:30-8 p.m., Basic Botany, $15

• Feb. 4, 5:30-8 p.m., Entomology for Gardeners, $15

• Feb. 11, 5:30-8 p.m., Vegetable Gardening in Union County, $15

• Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Soil School, $35

• March 4, 5:30-8 p.m., Fruit Tree Care, $15

• March 11, 5:30-8 p.m., Pesticide Safety, $15

• April 1, 7-8:30 p.m., Seed Starting Workshop, $15

• April 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, $25

• April 15, 5:30-8 p.m., Firewise Landscaping, $15