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Are You a Future Master Gardener?Many people don't even know what a master gardener is. I know I didn't, at first. But an awfully lot of people are searching on the Web for information about master gardener programs and certification, so I thought I'd better research the subject and then share what I'd found out here.  Many people might just think this term refers to savvy, green-thumbed, gardening enthusiasts. But that's not quite right, at least not in the US, where the term "master gardener" really came into being. The term originated with the master gardener programs initiated by state and county "Cooperative Extension" departments throughout the US. These programs train gardeners to have 2 very key attributes: a willingness to volunteer and sharing science-based horticultural knowledge in their communities. According to the "Backyard Gardener," a newsletter put out by one of Arizona's county Cooperative Extension offices, the history of the master gardener program is... "Washington State University Cooperative Extension first offered the Master Gardener program in 1973. It started with Dr. David Gibby, a County Extension Agent. He found himself overwhelmed by the enormous number of requests for horticultural information (some things never change). Dr. Gibby, along with several colleagues, designed a curriculum to train volunteers in various aspects of horticulture science. After completing the course, the volunteers would assist him in providing information to community members. The first Master Gardener course was a success and the idea spread across the country and beyond. Today, the Master Gardener program is active in all 50 states and four provinces of Canada." So, are you master gardener material?
In most states, if you want to get your master gardener certification, you'll need training... even if you have lots of experience. Though programs can vary from state to state, the training would probably include such topics as:
Then, after you get the training, you must put in 50 or so hours of volunteer service with the Cooperative Extension before you'll be awarded your master gardener certification. There is usually a wide range of volunteer activities available. For example, you might man a phone hotline and answer gardening questions from the public. Or, perhaps you'll work staffing booths at fairs and community events, assisting with school and community gardens, and speaking to diverse public groups. The emphasis is on education and helping others to become successful, responsible gardeners. You might be wondering... What do Master Gardeners get in return for all these efforts? Well... they receive initial and continuing training that will help them to become better gardeners at home or at work. The recently formed Master Gardener Association provides the knowledge and support of a nationwide network of experts and specialists. Of course, becoming a master gardener isn't for everyone. But if you live in the US and want to make a contribution in your community, you might look into your local master gardener program at your Cooperative Extension office. By the way, even if you don't want to become a master gardener, your Extension office can offer a number of services for you, such as:
You can find your local Cooperative Extension office by clicking on your state on the map you'll find on this page:
Learn more about becoming a master gardener at your local Cooperative Extension office
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