Program Overview

Master Gardener Program

The purpose of the Utah State University Extension Master Gardener Program is to develop a network of trained volunteers who can provide Utah communities with unbiased, research-based horticultural education and technical assistance in gardening and home horticulture.

Program Details

Master Gardeners receive 13-14 weeks of college-level lecture and hands-on training taught by Utah State University Extension Specialists and Extension Faculty. After completion of the training, USU Master Gardeners are required to provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service back to their community.

Areas of Training

• Basic Botany
• Soils and Fertilizers
• Irrigation
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Trees, Shrubs and Flowers
• Weed Science
• Entomology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Turfgrass
• Landscape Design

Volunteer Service Examples

• Helping with projects located at USU public gardens and educational centers
• Partnering with communities, religious groups or other local organizations
• Plant diagnostic clinics
• Answering gardening questions over email and/or the phone
• Public outreach at fairs & gardening festivals
• Farmer's markets educational booth
• Manage public demonstration gardens
• Guided garden tours/walks
• Public speaking on gardening topics

Certification Requirements

Volunteers must complete the course requirements AND volunteer hours to receive a certificate.