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PARKERSBURG - As money becomes tighter and people become more concerned over eating healthier, many are literally turning back to their roots, growing their own vegetables and fruits.

The Wood County Master Gardener Program, a volunteer organization whose members are trained in small scale food production, horticulture and gardening, has seen a definite increase in interest, attracting more than 80 participants to a recent seminar.

The group is offering a new round of Master Gardener classes beginning March 4. Ten classes are offered as part of the Master Gardener training, meeting weekly, each class lasting three hours nightly. To become a master gardener, you have to have the 30 hours of classes, and then there are ongoing education requirements and required community service.

"We have a number of projects we are always working on and you can get your community service hours through that, including the Tomlinson Garden, Edison Arboretum, gardens at the Welcome Center, gardens at Henderson Hall, Wood County Library gardens, there are several ongoing projects," said Marty Seufer, president of the Wood County Master Gardener Program. "This group has members who are experts in everything, it's a wealth of knowledge, a great resource for the community. If you are into gardening, this is a great class to take, it's a tremendous resource."

Speakers are available from the Master Gardeners group as well.

Class size is limited, registration is required, and individuals interested in attending should sign up now. Cost for the program is $100 to cover materials and instruction.

The group then meets monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m. either at the Wood County Library or the Jack Buckley Conference room at the Wood County Courthouse. For more information, and to sign up call the West Virginia University Extension office at 304-424-1960, or in the office, which is located on the fourth floor of the courthouse, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration is needed by March 1.

"I think part of the renewed interest in Master Gardeners is due to the economy and partly due to people becoming more concerned about the food they eat, wanting to know where their food is coming from, wanting to eat healthier, and many are going organic because they want to avoid all the pesticides," said Carolyn Beckett, administrative assistant with the WVU Extension Office, and coordinator for the gardeners' group. "We also provide information on canning."

"We have an informational booth at the Farmers' Market and plan to be there again this year and that raised awareness of the group," Seufer said.

"The training provides information and help whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, it saves on grocery bills to have your own garden, getting your food out of your own backyard is a pretty good option," Seufer said.

The Master Gardeners classes include subjects ranging from spring gardening, soils and fertilizers, plant propagation, pesticides and their use, composting, vegetable gardening, entomology, to organic gardening.

"I wanted to learn more about gardening," said Joan Nowery of Vienna, secretary for the Wood County Master Gardeners. "I have worked on many community garden projects, like the butterfly garden behind Jefferson School. Pam Lutz and myself spent a lot of time to restore that garden. We are also planning an exhibition garden to educate students."

Soil testing is available through the extension service, contact agricultural agent J.J. Barrett for more information.

Master Gardeners say you can grow a garden even in a small space, using containers and gardeners, whether beginners or experienced, can get valuable information through the group.

Parkersburg may take center stage for gardeners from around the world in the fall of 2011 as the International Master Gardeners group will be meeting in Charleston, and Parkersburg will be offered as a weekend destination stopover.

The Master Gardeners are also sponsoring a spring gardening seminar, from 6-9 p.m. March 11 in the Fort Boreman room in the Judge Black Courthouse Annex. The seminar will include information for beginners, soil preparation, starting seeds, green gardening, there will be an organic exhibit, information on container gardener, harvesting crops, including a canning/freezing exhibit.

To register for the free spring seminar, contact the extension office, 304-424-1960.