Oregon State University Extension Service

Become a Master Gardener

Learn, grow and give back

Do you love gardening, learning, and helping others? The OSU Extension Master Gardener™ volunteer program is a community of gardeners who teach, learn and grow together.

Volunteers receive in-depth training from Oregon State University, then share that knowledge to help others garden successfully in their own communities.

Master Gardeners run a booth at a local farmers market, offering a table full of gardening resources and answering gardening questions.

Master Gardeners grow more than plants–they grow community.

Photo: Sarah West

What it means to be a Master Gardener volunteer

Being a Master Gardener volunteer is about curiosity, community and service.

As a volunteer, you’ll:

  • Learn about plants, soil, pests and sustainable gardening practices.
  • Help answer questions from local gardeners through plant clinics and events.
  • Support school and community gardens.
  • Make connections with people who love gardening as much as you do.

Training and certification

This is a dynamic program that will increase your gardening knowledge, encourage you to help others by volunteering in the community and build new friendships.

Here’s an overview of the class requirements:

  1. In-person classes. These required in-person classes will encourage you to dive deeper and start getting connected with other program participants.
  2. Volunteer hours are the second key learning experience to become an OSU Master Gardener volunteer. We require 40 hours of volunteer service in your initial program year. All volunteer experiences are carefully selected to help you learn and connect with the community. The Coos County Master Gardener Association (CCMGA) is OSU’s partner in offering volunteer experiences in support of the Master Gardener Program.

The class fee is $150.

Training begins January 15, 2026!

Questions about the program? Reach out to Samantha, OSU Extension Coos County Master Gardener Program Coordinator, [email protected]

Sign up to become a Master Gardener
Photo: Canva (Cropped from original)

Stay connected to gardening

Even if you’re not ready to volunteer, you can still grow with us! Explore our Gardening help and resources page to get answers to your plant questions and stay connected with local workshops and garden events.

Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/coos/become-master-gardener