What is the Master Gardener Program

Joy Jones, OSU Extension Agent, (503) 842-3433

Donna Nelson, Program Assistant, (503) 842-3433

Pat Penney, Program Support, (503) 842-3433

The Master Gardener program is designed to meet gardening needs of the community. The purpose is to teach volunteers more about gardening and home horticulture. Master Gardener volunteers receive formal training from Extension professionals in plant science, horticulture, pest management, and gardening.

For more information the Master Gardener training program print and send this MG interest form, or call (503) 842-3433 or email your registration request to Pat Penney.

To become an OSU Master Gardener, a volunteer completes a training program, pass an open book examination, and volunteers a specific number of hours providing information and technical assistance in the areas of gardening and home horticulture. Volunteer activities include answering questions about home horticulture at the OSU Extension office, staffing booths at fairs and festivals, working in the demonstration garden, teaching classes and participating in community landscaping projects. Certification as a Master Gardener is valid for one year and recertification is encouraged.

The Master Gardener (MG) program is for people who want to learn more about horticulture and agree to volunteer time to extend gardening information to others. Master Gardeners receive over 60 hours of horticultural training and serve as volunteer staff members of Oregon State University Extension Service, meeting the gardening needs of our communities. In a variety of roles, Master Gardener volunteers become teachers and communicators of home horticulture information.