WORTHINGTON — The Nobles County Master Gardener volunteer group is growing and gearing up for a summer filled with both new and returning community projects.
Nobles County currently has three interns enrolled in the core course to become certified Master Gardeners in 2026. In addition to completing coursework and passing exams, each intern must log 50 hours of volunteer service this year to earn the distinction of Master Gardener
Heather Raverty
Contributed / Stephen Parezo
Our existing five Master Gardeners are each required to complete at least 25 volunteer hours annually. Together, that represents a minimum of 275 volunteer hours dedicated to serving our community this year.
Fortunately, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet those hours while making a positive local impact.
We are once again partnering with Prairie Rehab and Fitness to maintain the Giving Garden and provide fresh produce to local food pantries. Last year, the garden produced more than 300 pounds of donated food.
The pollinator garden at Golden Horizons Assisted Living Center has been planted and will now require regular watering and weeding throughout the summer months.
The Nobles County Master Gardeners will also host a table at the Worthington Farmers Market on Tuesdays in downtown Worthington beginning June 2. Market hours this year are from 2 to 5 p.m. In addition to sharing gardening information, we will also assist with several children’s activities taking place at the market. Be sure to stop by and visit us!
A food preservation class in partnership with our local 4-H group is planned for July.
One of our Master Gardeners is also helping prepare garden plots for the SNAP Community Gardens program.
Earlier this May, we collaborated with Green Garden Place to host a “Bloom and Grow” flower pot class, which was very well received by the community.
Several of our members are participating in statewide seed trials to help track the successes and challenges of different plant varieties across Minnesota.
We are also glad to have one of our members assisting the University of Minnesota Extension Yard and Garden team by answering gardening questions from residents throughout the state.
With so many projects taking place across our community, it is easy to stay busy and fulfill volunteer requirements. Spring and summer are exciting seasons for gardeners — from enjoying the return of blooming flowers to experimenting with new vegetable and flower varieties in home gardens.
We hope this growing season brings you the same sense of renewal, hope and joy that gardening brings to us.
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