I had high hopes for this program, but seeing questions like this on an open book quiz makes me realize that this certification is really a joke.
by blackstar5676
I had high hopes for this program, but seeing questions like this on an open book quiz makes me realize that this certification is really a joke.
by blackstar5676
14 Comments
Yeah it’s a really overstated title
yeah it’s not really anything special. good for people that have never done anything in a garden before in their lives but that’s about it.
So I’m the advisor for a program and I will agree that the quizzes are a bit elementary but the idea is that we can take someone who has very little hort knowledge and elevate them. It’s essentially a no fail type deal. Hang in there though in my opinion the biggest benefit is the exposure to like minded folks, access to resources that the average gardener wouldn’t get, and the ability to work on projects with shared funds and land.
It really isn’t a certification the way you seem to be using the term. It’s not done for career advancement. Ultimately it’s a volunteer program.
B. Integrated Pest Management, But i believe this pretty common for open book multiple choice in most trades
I mean, it doesn’t really mean that much, it’s just a volunteer program, not a career certification. But most of their training comes from classes and required volunteer hours, so learning hands on.
Professional horticulturists have very mixed feelings about the Master Gardener program. I’m sure it varies from state to state and even county to county, but it is generally very basic information. It is great to get people involved in gardening but often creates people who think they know EVERYTHING just because they completed the program.
It is also wildly frustrating when I tell people I have a horticulture degree and nearly 20 years experience, and they tell me I should “become a Master Gardener.” I have taught Master Garden CEU classes…
b. Integrated Pest Management. A concept that should have been covered in class.
It’s a volunteer program. We had about 30 hrs of classroom instruction that was extremely well taught by a hort extension agent. I still refer to my class notes.
Our textbook aimed to introduce us to the basics of everything, from soil science to landscape design. IMO the aim of the course was less to become experts than to learn where and how to start researching a question or topic.
I still heavily use my textbook for my own purposes, and have referred many people to the free online version.
I find the textbook especially useful for identifying the varieties of fruits and veggies likely to do well in my area.
And I also love the veggie planting table that summarizes a ton of useful information in one place on when to plant, start or direct sow, and other growing guidance for many vegetables. Even if I look at it in March and say, “Oh shit, I should have done that two months ago!”
I agree with the many people who said that the term should be Extension volunteers p
It is what you make of it. I work closely with our extension agents doing research when we get questions and it’s a good way to stay up on things happening locally. But I’ve also been told I could teach the classes because I have an education and it’s basically true. I don’t really learn much from the MGs- there are a few with doctorate level degrees who I’m able to learn new concepts from. But being involved keeps me connected in the community, especially to people who want to buy plants from me. As a bonus I get to stay up on researching horticultural problems unfolding locally. Outside of networking in a rural community, it’s not advancing my education and career though, it’s just a way to be involved and meet people.
I’ve met many a “Master Gardener “ over the years presenting themselves as experts as the title would suggest. I’ll give them some due, they have been exposed to a well rounded curriculum. But without experience, the term master doesn’t equate.
It’s likely just verifying competency. I think most of us in this industry have moments like this where there’s a silly little class to take or a very low bar to clear, but if it’s gonna get you doing something you love, just play along lol. Trust me.
I have a degree in Horticulture and own a small gardening business. I occasionally get clients who throw the Master Gardener certification at me, then act like they have no idea how to garden.