UGA Cooperative Extension
DeKalb County Extension Office:
Becoming a Master Gardener
What Is the Master Gardener Program All About?
The Master Gardener Program of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension provides community-minded gardeners with practical horticultural training that can be taken back and shared in their neighborhoods. This is a volunteer development program which trains gardeners to help their local extension office with their education and outreach efforts. There are numerous garden training programs out there, but there is only one Master Gardener Program! This program provides you with a broad base and encourages you to seek out further training and knowledge.
The Master Gardener Training Program is an introductory course in horticulture and related subject areas. Growing a better community is the commitment we expect from all Master Gardeners. This commitment can be satisfied in a number of ways:
- answering phone/e-mail horticulture questions from clients,
- writing publications/educational literature for our web site or for public distribution,
- installing beautification projects and demonstration gardens,
- speaking to schools, clubs and civic groups,
- and much, much more.
Upon successful completion of your classroom training, volunteers become members of the State Master Gardener Association, GMGA, and our local county groups. The county groups meets quarterly for education and socialization. Completion of your first year (50 hours volunteer service) earns you the designation of Certified Master Gardener.
Is the Master Gardener Program for You?
Answer the following questions:
- Would I enjoy this kind of intensive training?
- Do I enjoy gardening and sharing this enjoyment with others?
- Do I have the time and the commitment to attend all training sessions plus return fifty or more volunteer hours during the coming year?
- Do I want to learn more about gardening and work to make my community look better?
If your answer is YES to the majority of these questions, please apply in your home county to be a part of the training group for this year. If you are not sure about the volunteer requirement, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office about other types of garden training available. In DeKalb County, we offer an evening training series every year with at least one course offered every month. For more information, please call 404-298-4080.
Helpful Links
How do I become a DeKalb Master Gardener?
Master Gardener Brochure
Master Gardener Project Sites
Master Gardener Planning Calendar
DeKalb Master Gardener Compost Demos
Master Gardener Associations
Master Gardener Summary 1979-Present
