Become a Master Gardener

The Master Gardener program began in Washington State in 1973; trained volunteers were originally assigned to address basic gardening issues and answer general questions about common pests and diseases, thus freeing Washington State University’s Cooperative Extension Agent for more complicated and compelling issues.

In the intervening years, similar programs have been established in most states, and the duties of Master Gardeners have expanded to include a variety of public outreach and educational services. Master Gardeners are themselves trained through programs overseen by extension departments at land-grant universities. (See American Horticultural Society’s Index of Master Gardener Programs)

The Master Gardener title is an honorary one; its holders are not permitted to use it in association with any professional activity. However, many Master Gardeners are professionals in related fields (i.e., horticulture, botany, entomology, etc.), and Master Gardeners often use their volunteer service as the springboard for launching professional careers or furthering their own education.

What are the Responsibilities of a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners may fill any number of roles at the behest of their local county extension agents. Some of their responsibilities might include:

• Managing extension hotlines and answering questions about plant diseases, pests, and nutritional problems
• Disseminating information about sustainable and environmentally safe landscaping and gardening practices
• Planting and maintaining community demonstration gardens
• Teaching gardening classes to children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens
• Supervising plant clinics
• Staffing information booths at fairs and other community events
• Helping to write and edit educational materials

Master Gardeners should be available to contribute their time during weekday work hours as well as on weekends.

The Master Gardener Curriculum

Although the specifics of Master Gardener curricula vary from state to state – and even from county to county – most programs offer basic instruction in:

• Horticulture and plant physiology
• Botany
• Plant propagation
• Soil structure and fertilization
• Equipment management
• Plant management (site and seed selection, watering, etc.)
• Composting
• Pesticide safety and use
• Entomology and insect management
• Management of rodents, birds, and other species that impact garden productivity
• Plant disease diagnosis and management
• Weed recognition and management
• Turfgrass planting and management
• Landscaping principles and landscape plant selection
• Ornamentals (woody and herbaceous)
• Principles of vegetable production and selection
• Fruit tree management and selection
• Small fruit management
• Principles of organic gardening
• Home greenhouses
• Houseplants

Depending on emerging issues in a given locale, some aspects of the Master Gardener curriculum may receive greater emphasis than others. The instructional program typically includes both classroom and field work and provides interaction with extension educators and specialists in horticulture.

Master Gardener Certification and University Credit

Certification is granted when a student completes the necessary hours of classwork and practical instruction, passes all examinations, and fulfills a specified number of volunteer hours – often the same number of hours that are spent in instruction.

Most programs recertify Master Gardeners on a yearly basis for those who acquire further training or commit to additional volunteer hours.

Some programs even offer university credit to those who complete Master Gardener courses. Individuals who aren’t otherwise enrolled in a degree program are registered as non-matriculated students. Tuition and fees vary widely, depending on texts, guest lecturers, supplies and equipment, travel, etc.

Counties that sponsor Master Gardener programs often have waiting lists for people who want to get into the classes.

Master Gardeners are instrumental in promoting safe and sustainable gardening practices. For Americans who want to be more self sufficient – or for those who simply enjoy tending a plot of ground where they can harvest a few greens for dinner – volunteer Master Gardeners can offer invaluable assistance.

Individuals with gardening experience who want to increase their knowledge and share what they learn with others should consider applying to a Master Gardener program.