How do I become a Master Gardener?
Becoming a Master Gardener is a great way to learn more about plants and help your community grow! Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Complete the training
Master Gardener training includes:
- Online lessons you can do at your own pace. These cover garden basics like soil, plants, and pest management.
- In-person workshops taught by OSU faculty and experienced volunteers. These hands-on sessions help you practice what you learn.
- Weekly online Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and learn from experts.
- Volunteer activities in the community, such as working in gardens, helping at plant clinics, or talking with the public about gardening.
Step 2: Complete volunteer hours
To become certified, you’ll complete 40 volunteer hours with the Master Gardener program. These hours might include:
- Answering gardening questions by phone or email
- Helping in community gardens
- Staffing plant clinics at events
- Supporting school garden programs
- Speaking to community groups
- Working on an approved project you design
- Your local Master Gardener coordinator will help you choose volunteer opportunities.
Step 3: Recertify each year
To stay an active Master Gardener, you’ll complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteering each year.
