Master Gardener Program

James R. Cannon

The Master Gardening Program first started in Washington State in 1972. It was started because the extension agents in that area were overwhelmed by the volume of request for information about gardening.

Dr. David Gibby thought of finding gardeners who would be willing to answer the publics gardening question. He came up with the idea of trading specialized knowledge in horticulture for a commitment to spend a specified number of hours in volunteer work. It has worked incredibly well.

Once trained in the Master Gardener Program you are asked to volunteer up to 50 hours per year in the community (the number of hours may vary in each state). Participants can volunteer in a variety of ways and includes some of the following activities:

• Assisting at the Local Extension Office. • Answering gardening questions over the phone. • Working with 4-H and other youth groups. • Presenting gardening information to groups. • Getting involved in community service activities. • Setting up & staffing horticultural displays.

All Master Gardener activities are coordinated through the Local County Extension Staff.

If you are an experienced gardener and want to become involved in this program, contact the local County Extension office. They will not only inform you on up-coming classes but will let you know the specific requirements for your particular area.



Is the Master Gardener Program for You? To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions: • Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants? • Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program? • Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community? • Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

Cost - There is a registration fee to help cover the cost of handouts and other publications and it includes the opportunity to continue in the program and receive newsletters and additional training.



What will I learn and who teaches the classes? All classes are taught by Cooperative Extension advisors and specialists, faculty from University campuses and Experiment stations, community college and state university faculty, and other experts from industry. Topics include: • Botany • Soil, water and fertilizer management • Turf • Woody plants • Entomology • Integrated pest management • Home vegetable gardening • Plant pathology • Weed identification and management • Home orchards: Fruit and nut trees, small fruits and grapevines • Identification and control of household pests • Working as a Master gardener • Problem diagnosis