How to become a Master Gardener

This program is a volunteer organization and is part of the Cooperative Extension Service under the auspices of the University of Maryland. There are Master Gardeners groups in almost every Maryland County.

In order to hold the title of Master Gardener there are certain requirements that must be met. The first step is the application process which consists of a basic informational application as well as an applicant profile. The submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. This profile contains essay type questions relating to your interests, gardening experience, volunteer experience, etc. Once received, the applications are carefully reviewed and a determination is then made as to which applicants will be accepted into the program. Those who are not accepted initially can re-apply the following year.

Once accepted into the program, you will be required to attend a training course which will cover varying topics relating to gardening, composting, pest management, turf, botany, and other topics. Classroom instruction is approximately fifty hours and is held one day a week from 9AM to 3:30PM in Cockeysville or Timonium locations. There is a $200 non-refundable fee for this class. This fee will also cover the cost of the Master Gardener Manual. Regular attendance is a must as there will be a summary test given at the end of the course which you must pass in order to continue on the program.

Upon successful completion of the class, the applicant will then be required to complete 40 hours of volunteer service with the Baltimore County Master Gardeners group. This could include demonstration gardens, plant clinics, fairs, and youth outreach. After completion of the 40 hours, you will then hold the title of Master Gardener.

For each subsequent year, in order to retain the Master Gardener title you must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education. The class is held once a year, usually in September and running until November, or 10 weeks.

Applicants for this year have already been determined and entry into this class is now closed. If you would like to be considered for next year's class, please send via e-mail your full name and mailing address. Your name will be placed in the interest file and you will be contacted when the next application process begins.

For more information, contact Pat Meisol

Last updated: 03/10/2009