Become A Master Gardener
Who can be a Master Gardener?
YOU CAN! We're looking for volunteers with a variety of gardening experiences, good communication skills and who like to share knowledge with others.
Why should you be a Master Gardener?
Do you have a love of gardening? Do you know more about Swiss Chard than is appropriate for the average individual to know? Or do you enjoy teaching others about a subject that is important to you?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Hennepin County Master Gardener Program may be for you! Master Gardeners take their knowledge and love of horticulture into the Hennepin County Community and share it with others. Volunteers learn while they are volunteering; they also learn by attending required continuing education classes offered by the University of Minnesota, MN Landscape Arboretum and Minnesota Horticultural Society. The Master Gardener Program is the perfect way to volunteer your time and talents AND learn more at the same time.
How do I become a Master Gardener?
You can apply to become a Master Gardener during the Summer months (mid-July to mid-September.) Applications for 2009 must be returned by October 3, 2008.
Download the 2009 application: PDF format | MS Word format
Applicants are interviewed by a panel of experienced Master Gardeners. Individuals accepted into the program then attend a 48 hour Core Course taught by educators from the University of Minnesota.
What are the certification requirements to become a Master Gardener?
After being accepted into the Master Gardener program, a volunteer becomes an Intern and completes 48 hours of Core Course horticultural education taught by University of Minnesota staff. Topics covered in the Core Training include:
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Botany - Soils
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Landscape, Lawn Care
- Indoor Plants
- Herbaceous Plants
- Wood Plants
- Pesticides
- Gardening with Wildlife
After completing the Core Course training, Interns need an additional 12 hours of continuing education and 50 hours of volunteer service to become Certified Master Gardeners. To remain certified, Master Gardeners complete 12 hours of continuing education and 25 hours of volunteer service each year.
