Master Gardener™ Certification Course

Volunteer Commitment

First-year Master Gardener trainees must complete at least 40 hours of coursework in community horticulture. Additional hours may be required by some county programs. Volunteer hours are usually divided among specific projects, allowing trainees to explore various interests.

Course Completion

All Master Gardeners in Oregon receive training in core classes such as botany, pesticide understanding, plant problem diagnostics, and sustainable gardening. Region-specific classes vary by location.

Attendance

Participants are expected to attend every session. If a class is missed, arrangements should be made to make up for it. Missing two or more classes may require retaking the training in another year.

Certification Timeline

A minimum of 40 volunteer hours is required for first-year volunteers to complete their certification, typically by October 31. Exceptions and extensions are at the discretion of county coordinators.

Become a Master Gardener™

To become an OSU Master Gardener™, a volunteer completes the training program, passes an open book examination, and volunteers a specific number of hours providing information and 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 local fairs and farmers markets, 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.

Annual Certification

The certification earned from completing the Master Gardener™ training class is valid for one year. To maintain an active status, volunteers must fulfill annual recertification requirements.

Recertification Requirements

• Volunteer Service: Complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service.
• Continuing Education: Complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually, with at least 1 hour focused on a Growing & Belonging topic.
• OSU Volunteer Paperwork: Sign and submit the necessary OSU volunteer paperwork each year. Your county coordinator will provide information on eligible volunteer and continuing education opportunities.

What if I Can't Meet the Requirements?

If you find yourself unable to meet the 20 hours of volunteering and 10 hours of continuing education, please contact your county coordinator. Limited participation may still be possible by signing the annual OSU volunteer paperwork. However, in such cases, you will not be able to engage in activities like teaching the public, mentoring trainees, or serving as a certified Master Gardener™ at plant clinics or help desks.

Maintaining Engagement

We encourage all our Master Gardener™ to strive to meet the certification requirements each year. Staying active not only keeps you engaged with the program and current on horticulture knowledge but also allows you to continue making a significant impact in our community through your expertise and dedication.

Support and Guidance

Your county coordinator is always available to discuss any challenges you might face in meeting these requirements and to explore possible solutions or alternatives. Our goal is to support you in your journey as a Master Gardener™ and ensure that you have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in this role.

Course Overview

Our curriculum is thoughtfully structured to provide a thorough understanding of various gardening aspects:

1. Orientation and Growing and Belonging: Start your journey with an introduction to the program's values and community.
2. Botany and Plant ID: Learn the fundamentals of plant biology and techniques for identifying various plant species.
3. Soils, Fertilizers, and Compost: Delve into soil health, the use of fertilizers, and composting methods.
4. Plant Propagation and Pruning: Master the art of growing plants from seeds or cuttings and learn effective pruning techniques.
5. Vegetable and Container Gardening: Explore the principles of growing vegetables and the versatility of container gardening.
6. Herbaceous and Woody Ornamental Plants: Understand the care and cultivation of various ornamental plants.
7. Entomology and Insect ID: Study the role of insects in the garden and learn identification skills.
8. Plant Disease and Diagnostics: Learn to identify and manage common plant diseases.
9. Understanding Pesticides: Gain knowledge about the safe and effective use of pesticides.
10. Weeds, Vertebrate Pests, and IPM: Learn about weed management, vertebrate pest control, and Integrated Pest Management strategies.
11. Sustainable Landscape Design: Discover the principles of designing sustainable and aesthetically pleasing landscapes.
12. Coastal Gardening, Natives, and Exam Prep: Focus on specific challenges and opportunities in coastal gardening, native plant cultivation, and prepare for your certification exam.

Registration Details

• Enrollment: Registration will open December 1st
• Course Duration: 10 Weeks, Thursdays, starting January 11th
• Format: All in-person classes
• Fees: New Certification $150.00
• How to Register: Complete our online registration form Link to Registration Form (Coming Soon).
• Deadline: Register by January 4th.

Certification Requirements

• Attendance: Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Arrangements for makeup classes can be made if necessary.
• Volunteer Hours: Complete a minimum of 40 volunteer hours for certification.
• Certification Timeline: Typically, certification should be completed by October 31. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of county coordinators.

Ready to Grow?

Join us in this enriching program and become a part of a community dedicated to sustainable gardening and making a positive impact. Registration Link Coming Soon