Do you have an interest in gardening? Would you be willing to share your gardening knowledge and experience in your community? If you answered yes, then you should apply to become a U of M Extension Master Gardener. Apply for the Master Gardener core course between August 1 and October 1 to become a Master Gardener in 2027. Apply online at extension.umn.edu/master-gardener/become-master-gardener (or scan the QR Code), then click ‘Join Us’ to complete the online fillable application.
Individuals accepted into the program will start an internship that begins with a self-paced, 48-hour, online Master Gardener Core Course in January. The course will be available all year with one new gardening topic presented each week for twelve weeks by U of M Extension Horticulture staff. An instructor will be available each week via an online webinar in case you have questions.
There is a fee for the core course, but a partial scholarship may be available depending on the county which you apply for.
Following the core course, interns complete 50 hours of volunteer time in their first year and 25 hours in succeeding years by working with other master gardener volunteers in their county and/or on their own on a variety of projects that inform the public about gardening and horticulture. Volunteer projects can include horticultural days, community gardens, community education classes, youth gardening sessions, school gardens, ask a master gardener booth at the farmers’ markets or county fairs, newspaper columns, radio broadcasts, managing websites and social media, plus more.
If you have questions about the local county program or want to hear from another local volunteer, please reach out to Katie Hagen, the Extension Educator in Isanti County by emailing: hagen@umn.edu or calling 763-689-8254.
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