How to Become a Master Gardener

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the next Master Gardener course offering will be in January 2022. If you are interested in learning more, use the sign up form at the bottom of the page.

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Qualifications... To be considered you must:

• Have an interest and basic knowledge about plants and gardening.
• Be willing to attend all the classes in the the training program.
• Be able to provide 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year and 30 hours in each subsequent year.
• Pay a training course fee, TBD for 2022.  Fees for the 2019 training were $225.  Limited partial scholarships are available based on financial need.
• Be willing to interact with Monroe County residents and provide horticultural information and guidance as needed.

Applications...

• Will be available in the early Fall of 2021.  Please note: With limited class size, some applicants may not be accepted.
• Interviews will be held in October 2021.
• Written notification will be sent in December 2021.

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What are the requirements?

Candidates attend 50 to 70 hours of classroom training over a 3-4 month period. After successful completion, participants commit to 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year, and 30 hours of volunteer service in each subsequent year. 

Master Gardeners must participate in approved volunteer activities related to providing consumer horticulture education to the public. Additionally, Master Gardeners must complete five hours of continuing horticultural education each year.

Courses include topics such as Botany, Soils, Composting, Climate Change, Pest Identification and Management, Wildlife Management, Plant Diseases, Native Plants, Pruning and Lawn Care.

What are the benefits?

Master Gardeners enjoy the advantages of comprehensive horticulture training, future possibilities for continued education, and opportunities to serve their community with their knowledge and efforts.

Last updated November 3, 2020