Are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener™? Master Gardeners are people like you, interested in learning more about the art and science of growing and caring for plants in the garden, the landscape, and the home. In exchange for classroom instruction, Master Gardeners agree to help local Extension faculty and staff extend horticultural information to people in their communities.
Master Gardeners Help People
Your commitment after training is to be a volunteer staff person for the OSU Extension Service. The program coordinator will help you to schedule your volunteer time. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for gardening information; others staff plant clinics at garden shows or local events. Master Gardeners might also work on projects with local schools, give talks to area garden clubs or complete an approved project of their own design.
The Training of Master Gardeners
Master Gardener™ training classes are taught by OSU extension agents and horticultural experts. The program offers basic, practical courses in plant science and home horticulture. Classes include basic botany, methods for growing vegetables, lawns, fruit trees and landscape plants, pest identification and control methods, soil management and plant nutrition, and diagnosis of plant problems. The actual courses offered vary depending on local needs and interests. Classes are held during the winter months from January through March.