Want to become a Master Gardener? The steps to becoming a Master Gardener include:
1. Be accepted by your local program
Find your county contact and request an application packet. You’ll need to complete the application, have an interview and pass a background check. Sometimes a short test is given.
2. Complete the Core Course training
The Master Gardener Core Course, designated HORT 1003 through the University of Minnesota, gives you 48 class hours horticulture training. It’s taught by Extension educators and faculty, and is available in the Twin Cities area, at several greater Minnesota locations, and online. Topics include soils, entomology, gardening resources, diagnostics, trees, herbaceous plants, lawn care, plant pathology, and more.
3. Complete your internship
After completing HORT 1003, your internship will continue with 50 hours of volunteer time to be completed within the first year of participation.
4. Celebrate!
When your internship is done, you’ll start the next calendar year as an active Master Gardener in your community.
5. Stay involved
To maintain your active Master Gardener status, you will complete at least 25 hours of volunteer time and required continuing education per year.
To apply:
Contact your local Extension office or the Master Gardener state program office for application information and class times.