A master gardener is a member of the community who actively participates in assisting others with gardening-related problems. Master gardeners are horticulturists who volunteer their time to teach others in their community about gardening. In general, they assist members of the community in better understanding horticulture and their surroundings.
You must be 18 years old and complete the Extension Master Gardener Training Program in your local area to become a master gardener. While it is necessary to be a resident of the state in which you are applying, master gardener trainees are not required to live in any particular county. These programs are available in every state, but they vary greatly. For example, depending on whether or not books are included, this type of training can cost anywhere from $65 to well over $200 USD. In addition, the number of training hours in master garden programs varies, with the majority falling between 40 and 60 hours.
The majority of those who apply for this program are seasoned gardeners. Prior gardening experience is recommended but not required for master gardener programs. Prior classes or experience in horticulture, agriculture, earth science, botany, or biology, on the other hand, may be beneficial. County extension agents, college horticulture departments, and other horticulture specialists typically conduct training classes once a year.
A variety of horticultural topics are covered in the master gardener program. Lawn care, soil and plant nutrition, flower gardening, weed management, pests and diseases, fertilizer, tree and shrub care, water conservation, organic gardening techniques, and more are all covered in master gardener training. To become certified in most states, trainees must pass their horticultural exam with a minimum score of 70%. A master gardener must also volunteer at least 40 hours or more in the community after completing training.
In most cases, master gardeners work with their local Cooperative Extension Center to provide the public with gardening-related information. Volunteer hours are flexible, with options for evening and weekend shifts. Research, writing, phone calls, assisting with meetings, and record keeping are all tasks that can be completed after hours. Participating in the design and operation of horticultural exhibits, displays, or demonstrations; giving presentations on horticultural topics to 4-H groups, youth organizations, or schools; and assisting garden staff at local gardens, research stations, churches, or other similar establishments in garden maintenance are just a few of the volunteer activities.
Master gardeners are usually given a form to fill out to track their time spent on various tasks. These reports are sent to designated personnel on a regular basis. To stay active as a master gardener, you must recertify every year. Master gardeners must complete the required hours of continuing education and additional volunteer service for their particular state in order to be recertified.