1. Programs
  2. Master Gardener™

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties

Elizabeth Records

How to Join

Print

Lynn Ketchum ©2016 Oregon State University

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?

Master gardener applications for 2020 open in autumn, 2019. In the meantime, here are several ways you can learn more and get involved.

Interested but not sure what to expect?

Steps to becoming an Extension Master Gardener

  1. Be selected to participate in the Master Gardener course. Application details to be announced.
  2. Complete the Extension Master Gardener course. Course schedule and topics to be announced.
  3. Share your knowledge
    • Volunteer on projects and events that deliver horticulture education and information to the public.
    • Volunteer and learn alongside experienced Extension Master Gardener volunteer mentors.
  4. Celebrate!
    • When your time as a trainee is completed, you'll start the next calendar year as an active Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener in your community.
  5. Stay involved
    • To maintain your active Extension Master Gardener volunteer status, complete requirements for volunteering and continuing education each year.

Master Gardener Training & Volunteer Details

1/08/2019 - Gearing Up for Gardening: Birds, Bugs, Bats & Butterflies

1/08/2019 - Gearing Up for Gardening: Birds, Bugs, Bats & Butterflies

List of web resources for creating wildlife habitat in urban areas.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

1/22/2019 - Gearing Up for Gardening: Between the Rows

1/22/2019 - Gearing Up for Gardening: Between the Rows

List of herbs and flowers for between the rows in a vegetable garden by Darren Morgan of Shonnard's Nursery.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

1/22/2019 - Gearing Up for Gardening: Edible Plants

1/22/2019 - Gearing Up for Gardening: Edible Plants

List of edible plants from Darren Morgan of Shonnard's Nursery.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

A Few Good Apples - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

A Few Good Apples - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

List of apples with helpful traits for the Pacific Northwest by Joseph Postman

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

Best Pears for the Western Pacific Northwest - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

Best Pears for the Western Pacific Northwest - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

A “favorite pears” panel held at the Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center, Mount
Vernon, WA in March 2017. Compiled by Kristan Johnson, revised and expanded by J. Postman in
January 2018.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

Gardening in the Willamette Valley - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

Gardening in the Willamette Valley - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

2019 Insights hand out by Jeff Choate, Linn County Extension

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

Irrigation Management Handout - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

Irrigation Management Handout - Insights into Gardening Hand Outs - 2018

Helpful tables and formulas for calculating garden irrigation by Jeff Cope of Homegrown Gardens

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

Linn County Master Gardener Association

The Linn County Master Gardener Association (LCMGA) is part of the Oregon Master Gardener Association, a state wide non-profit organization. Anyone who has completed the Master Gardener training program and who wishes to join is encouraged to participate.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Partners

OSU Non-Discrimination Statement

Oregon State University strives to ensure that all educational programs, services, activities and materials we offer to the public are identified, developed, delivered, and evaluated in an inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. OSU Extension Service educational programs, services, activities, and materials are available to all people.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Volunteer Resources
Plant Problem Scenario Training Booklet

Plant Problem Scenario Training Booklet

These training materials were developed by a dedicated team of Master Gardeners from Benton County. The scenarios detail common plant problem "scenarios" that Master Gardeners in the Willamette Valley may encounter while working at a plant clinic. They are used during annual Master Gardener training with the help of veteran Master Gardeners from Linn & Benton County.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Volunteer Resources

Print Media Marketing Templates

OSU brand templates available to download.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Volunteer Resources
Proposed Project Application

Proposed Project Application

Are you considering starting a new project or outreach effort as a Master Gardener volunteer for Linn or Benton County? First, be sure that it is eligible for volunteer service hours and a good match with program requirements. Please review these guidelines and fill out the Proposed Project Application at least 1 month ahead of the proposed project start date.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Volunteer Resources

Sign-Up site for Linn Master Gardener Desk

Sign up calendar for Linn County Master Gardener desk.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Volunteer Resources
Volunteer service reporting categories - Benton County

Volunteer service reporting categories - Benton County

Make sure your volunteer service is aligned with your goals in the Master Gardener program with this handy cheat sheet of service categories and examples.

Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties Program Resource

For more information: Volunteer Resources

Lynn Ketchum

Other Enrollment Resources

Master Gardener Position Description

Master Gardener Position Description

This form describes the job of a MG Extension volunteer, as well as position requirements and supervision.

Master Gardener™ Program Resource

Online Master Gardener Course

The Master Gardener & Home Horticulture Basic Training course is designed for anyone who is interested in learning more about the effective and sustainable management of their home horticultural landscape. There are no course prerequisites, although a basic understanding of plants is helpful.

Option 1: An alternate route to becoming a Certified Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, if the timing of the live training doesn't work for you.

Option 2: The same training Master Gardeners receive in Option 1, for those who want the training but do not want to become a Master Gardener Volunteer. Participants receive a Certificate of Home Horticulture upon successful completion of the online course.

In this course you will learn about the art and the science of caring for plants. We examine plant types (e.g. woody, herbaceous), garden types (e.g. container, vegetable), and elements that influence the growth and vigor of plants in the home garden (e.g. pathogens, soils, insects, management decisions). We will also focus on the prevention and diagnosis of plant problems, as well as a least toxic approach to tolerating and/or managing plant problems in the home horticultural landscape.

Click the heading "Online Master Gardener Course" above to go to the website for more information.

Master Gardener™ Program Resource

Was this page helpful?