Metro Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener (MG) training is an Oregon State University Extension program that delivers a comprehensive education program on all aspects of growing and caring for plants. This program includes both a 66-hour classroom training focused on the art and science of sustainable gardening and a 66-hour internship in which participants continue their learning by serving as gardening educators in the communities.

This training is a fun, interactive, and informative educational program. The MG program is the equivalent of a college-level introduction to horticulture course. OSU Master Gardeners are trained by OSU Extension faculty and other gardening experts. A major goal of the program is to give Master Gardener trainees the information, resources, tools, and skills that they need to serve in our volunteer program.

Enrollment Options for 2010

The MG training is an 11-week course that takes place January through March each year. Nearly 200 people participate the the MG training in 3 locations each year in the Portland metro area.

There are two enrollment options for the MG in the Portland metro area in 2010:

The Master Gardener Training Program is a comprehensive course in sustainable gardening, which includes both a 66-hour training and 66-hour volunteer internship. The cost of $345 includes:
- Course instruction facilitated by OSU Extension faculty and other gardening experts
- Sustainable Gardening, the Oregon-Washington Master Gardener Handbook (preview book)
- A Master Gardener identification badge upon completion of our 66-hour internship
- Volunteer support.
The Master Gardener Certificate Training is the same program as above, but does not include the volunteer time associated with the traditional Master Gardener Program. This option is intended for professionals working in the nursery and landscaping industry. The certificate training costs $690 and includes:

Course instruction facilitated by OSU Extension faculty and other gardening experts

Sustainable Gardening, the Oregon-Washington Master Gardener Handbook (preview book)

Official OSU Extension Service certificate of completion.

Participants in both enrollment options will attend the same classes and receive the same information. The Master Gardener Certificate Training (second option) does not have a volunteer internship requirement.

Training Topics Include:

Botany for gardeners
Soils and compost
Home vegetable and container gardening
Small fruits and home orchards and pruning
Ornamental plant and lawn care
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Garden entomology (insect identification) and household pests
Plant diseases and plant disease diagnostics
Safe pesticide use and weed management
Vertebrate pest management
Volunteer resources, training, and communication.

2010 Master Gardener Training Specifics

The MG training is offered in the metro area starting the week of January 5, 2010 and ending the week of March 16, 2010 Classes are held:

Location	Day	Dates
Beaverton	Tuesday	January 5 - March 16
SE Portland LOCATION FULL	Thursday	January 7 - March 18
Oregon City	Friday	January 8 - March 19

Classes are held from 9am - 4pm with a lunch break from 12pm - 1pm

Attendance and Internship Policy

Participants must attend 80% of the class time(53 of 66 hours). Attendance is tracked through a sign-in system. Attendees participating in the Master Gardener Training Program (option 1 from above) will receive an official OSU Extension Service Master Gardener name badge after completion of the 66-hours of documented volunteer time through our internship program.

To Register for the 2010 OSU Master Gardener Certificate Training:

Down-loadable Registration Form ($345 option) and Pesticide Recommendation Agreement Form

Down-loadable Registration Form ($690 option)

or contact Jordis Yost to receive a registration packet: Email, Phone: 503-650-3118

The Registration deadline is extended. Sign up Now! Classess start in early January.