Some people have a knack for gardening, but others whom may lack a green thumb don’t have that much luck when it comes to growing plants and keeping them alive.

The Dallas County Extension Office is trying to make gardening a little easier with its 10-week Master Gardener course.

“What people have told me is that once they’ve taken this class, they really understood what they were trying to do,” said Dallas County Extension Coordinator Callie Nelson. “A lot of times people will say their grandmother used to garden or their dad used to garden, and they decided to try their hand at it, but they really don’t know sometimes where to start. This class tells you from the beginning to the end and all of the in-between.”

The course is usually held in the spring, but Nelson said due to demand the office is holding its first fall Master Gardener course.

The course will start Thursday, Aug. 27 and will last 10 weeks, covering various topics that are taught by specialists from Auburn University or regional agents with the extension system.

“If you name it, pretty much we are covering it in that class,” Nelson said. “They range from everything from plant propagation to soil and selecting gardening sites, to landscape design. There is one of fertilizers, insects and pest management, so there is a variety of topics.”

Nelson said classes will also focus on fruit and vegetable production for people interested in growing their own food.

The class is for all levels of gardeners, whether someone is a beginner or an expert.

“If you have never gardened before, it can get you off to a really great start, but if you have already been gardening, the specialists are able to give you more detailed information and they can answer those questions you may have been wanting to ask someone but didn’t know who to ask, so they kind of work with the audience,” Nelson said.

Nelson said at least 15 people are required for the course, but only 11 have signed up so far. The deadline to register is Friday, Aug. 21 by 4:30 p.m.

Nelson said there are multiple ways people can sign up for the course.

The course costs $150 and includes a required background check and all other course materials.

For more information on the course, contact the Dallas County Extension Office at 875-3200.