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Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties

Credit: Barth Bailey (Cropped from original)

How to Join

Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Master Gardener™ Volunteer Programs of Linn and Benton Counties!

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. Online learning modules run from February - March, on your own schedule with coursework due every Sunday at midnight. The online learning modules are taught by OSU experts and provide fundamental horticulture knowledge and practice in solving plant problems. The modules include movies, readings, and quizzes on all aspects of sustainable gardening.

  2. In-person skills sessions are held weekly in February. These required 2-hour meetups will encourage you to dig deeper, practice solving plant problems, and start getting connected with other program participants. Each workshop is followed by an optional social hour and snack potluck. Events are held indoors. Selected applicants will pick their preferred session when confirming enrollment.

    • Benton: Thursdays 10am-12pm

    • Linn: Saturdays 10am-12pm

  3. Garden Labs Garden Labs are hands-on opportunities that run from March through September. We ask that you attend at least four sessions. These interactive sessions will be taught by experienced Master Gardener volunteers, community organizations, and OSU horticulture experts. Schedule TBA - there will be a choice of a weekend and a weekday option. Events are held indoors and outdoors in Linn and Benton Counties. The schedule may vary by location.

  4. Volunteer hours are the fourth key learning experience to become an OSU Master Gardener volunteer. We require at least 45 hours of volunteer service in your initial program year. All volunteer experiences are carefully selected to help you learn and connect with the community. County Master Gardener Associations are OSU’s partners in offering volunteer experiences in support of the Master Gardener Program.

Note that in-person activities are subject to change depending on the public health situation.

Applications are open 11/1/2022 - 12/31/2022.

Click the Apply Now button for the online application.

If accepted, the course fee (sliding scale, $100-200) will be due by mid-January.

Questions? Reach out to Elza, program staff: [email protected]

Apply now
Credit: Ali van Otterloo (Cropped from original)

Smiling woman with glasses posing with onion harvest.

“I decided to become a Master Gardener because I have a passion for growing food and I want to teach people with limited access to fresh, organic produce the skills to grow their own. This process has been everything that I hoped Master Gardening would be.”
—Emily Herb

Image courtesy of Emily Herb
Smiling woman with glasses and hat in a garden.

"Becoming a certified Master Gardener allows me to realize one of my values, community activism, which is built into the program."
—Pashalle Johnson

Photo courtesy of Pashalle Johnson
Smiling woman with shovel in a rose garden.

“Being a part of the gardening community was like finding my way home. I have loved every minute of being a Master Gardener. Giving back to the community through public service is the core of the program and is personally rewarding.”
—Paula Lupcho

Photo courtesy of Paula Lupcho

Meet our team

Laurie Gibson
Laurie Gibson
Office Specialist, Ag./Home Horticulture/Tech Support
Smiling woman.
Elizabeth Records
Education Program Assistant

Contact me about becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer in Linn or Benton County. For plant/garden questions, please follow the link to "Have a Gardening Question?"

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