UGA Cooperative Extension

Bryan County Extension
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Georgia Master Gardener Program

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in gardening with extensive education in horticulture principles and pest control practices. The goal of the program is to train volunteers to help maximize Extension's outreach in the county. This is accomplished by using Master Gardeners to extend our community programming efforts. Master Gardeners are highly trained individuals who give unbiased, research-based information in horticulture. The Bryan County Extension office, in conjunction with the Chatham, Liberty and Effingham County Extension Offices,  conducts a Master Gardener training class every year. If you have any questions about the program or how to apply, please call Bryan County Extension at (912) 653-2231.

When are classes conducted?

Classes are conducted in the winter of each year. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am till 12:00 noon.

What do participants learn in the class sessions?

The class sessions provide very intense training in the the areas of: Soils and Plant Nutrition, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Weed Indentification and Control. Class sessions also focus individually on vegetables, ornamentals, herbs, turf grasses, annual and perennial flowers, and ornamental trees. All sessions will consist of classroom presentations with laboratory exercises and field trips to supplement classroom education.

What is required of the class participants?

In order to receive Master Gardener Extension certification, participants must complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service to the Bryan County Extension. These 50 hours of volunteer service must be completed by December 31st  in the year that the participant takes the course.  Participants must also maintain and turn into the Bryan County Extension, on or before January 10th of each year, a log book for verification of volunteer hours, contacts, mileage, and educational hours. After the initial volunteer hours, participants must complete a minimum of 25 hours each year to remain certified as a Master Gardener.

If you would like to participate in the Master Gardener course, visit this web site in November of this year and fill out an application. Interviews and selections for the program are conducted by County Extension Agents and assistants.

Cost of the program in 2011was $145.00.

Class participants will receive a name badge, state Master Gardener Association membership, local Coastal Master Gardener Association membership, reference materials and the Georgia Master Gardener Handbook.

What are Master Gardeners involved in?

• civic and garden club presentations
• maintaining demonstration gardens at Bamboo Farms and Coastal Gardens
• working at county festivals & garden clinics
• school garden programs
• planning & implementing public relations projects
• school and community landscape projects
• assisting in office telephone duties  

2012 Classes, dates and locations

All subjects and speakers are subject to change.

All classes will be from 9:00 am till noon except for classes being held on Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20.