What is a Master Gardener?
Why Become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
County Master Gardener Programs
Benefits of Being a Master Gardener
To Become a Certified Master Gardener
Formal Description of Arizona Master Gardener Program

What is a Master Gardener?

An individual who completes a University of Arizona, County Cooperative Extension specialized course in gardening in the low desert. This person then provides educational leadership to the community in home gardening and landscaping. The Master Gardeners help Extension in fulfilling the educational outreach mission by: staffing plant question phone lines giving talks to local groups introducing children to gardening presenting information at garden and trade shows organizing educational programs and conferences. creating and maintaining demonstration gardens which showcase new plants, new planting methods, composting, and new irrigation methods.

Why become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

As a Master Gardener you can help to educate and advise home gardeners in your community. Many newcomers and inexperienced gardeners in Arizona are in great need of gardening advice. Our informative training will give you the skills needed to diagnose plant problems and give you the confidence to share your expertise with others. You will have the opportunity to work with school children, teachers, seniors, community gardeners and homeowners. You can develop public speaking skills or learn to use computers and other technologies. Being a Master Gardener volunteer is fun, interesting and rewarding.

County Master Gardener Programs

The Master Gardener program and training is conducted by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension through the the County Cooperative Extension office. The training provides gardeners with the opportunity to improve their horticultural knowledge and skills and then share their experience with the public through organized volunteer activities. Master Gardener Training Classes are taught by University of Arizona Extension professionals and other horticulture experts. The program covers the challenges specific to gardening in the low desert. A sample of topics covered include: Botany Plant Problem Diagnosis Soils Ornamentals Pest Management Fruits Vegetables Plant Propagation Turf Native Plant Materials Cacti and Succulents Training sessions are scheduled in different locations of the community. Classes typically meet once a week for a three-hour session for 17 consecutive weeks. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpreter. Costs for the training (which includes a copy of the Master Gardener Manaul) vary by county, are around $125.00 Partial scholarships are available, and can be requested on the application form.

Benefits of Being a Master Gardener

Help to educate your community. Help gardeners solve their plant problems Promote environmental responsibility through water conservation and least-toxic pest control Beautify the community by teaching about appropriate plants for our climate

To Become a Certified Master Gardener

Participants must complete the initial training class and donate 50 hours of volunteer service. There are a wide variety of service opportunities available ranging from answering gardening questions from the public, to planning a state conference, to working with school gardens. To remain in the program after the first year a donation of 25 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education are required. Anyone with an interest in horticulture can apply for the Master Gardener program. If you have an interest in improving your skills and knowledge and the desire to work with people, the Master Gardener program may be for you.