Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty? Do you enjoy spending hours in the garden — planting shrubbery or growing your own fruits and vegetables? If you said ‘yes’ to any of these, the Dallas County Extension Office has the answer.

The agency will offer its Master Gardener Volunteer Program, a 12-week course discussing horticulture and related topics for 2012, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28 for $125.

Professors and teachers from across the state will give their research-based knowledge on gardening to interested participants.

County extension coordinator Callie N. Nelson said the class only happens every other year, so it’s important to get registered.

“We have the largest master gardener association in the Black Belt,” Nelson said. “What it means is, the association has 35 to 40 members (who) meet once a month and talk about the latest techniques in gardening; they’re able to improve their knowledge, to give back to community.”

Nelson said the class is ideal for those who have a niche for gardening.

“I think it’s very important because there are so many people into gardening and with the recession, people are interested in growing their own food,” Nelson said. “It (gardening) (also) helps to keep our county and city beautiful.”