The Michigan Master Gardener Program is a horticulture education and volunteer leader training program offered by MSUE offices throughout Michigan Counties. The program is developed to train citizens about home gardening to share with other Michigan citizens through a network of volunteers. An interest in plants, a personal commitment to volunteerism and an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others are the only prerequisites.

The Master Gardener program originated in Washington State in 1972. It has grown to over 600 programs in at least 46 states, the District of Columbia and several Canadian provinces.

Michigan State University Extension created and held its first Master Gardener program in 1978. Today, more than 10,0000 residents from more than 50 Michigan counties have earned and enjoyed the “Master Gardener” designation.

Kalamazoo Counties first class was offered in 1980. Between 1995 through 1997 180 residents have taken the program and volunteered over 2500 hours of horticultural experiences back to our community.

The Master Gardener Class will be offered twice a year. If you are interested in receiving additional information or want to be put on the waiting list to receive information when the class is planned call (269) 383-8815 and ask for the Master Gardener Coordinator or e-mail whitlo13@msu.edu

Biological environments are essential to life, Michigan State University is a primary provider of plant research and education. Dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of life, The Master Gardener program, available to all citizens of Michigan, is designed to develop a cadre of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) volunteers trained in horticulture. Their knowledge and skills related to basic plant science and home gardening enables these volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities. This is accomplished by increasing people’s appreciation for and use of plants and by providing them with instruction on growing plants using environmentally sound practices.

An individual interested in becoming a Master Gardener must possess the following qualifications:
1. A strong interest in horticulture and home gardening
2. Willingness and availability to undertake extensive training in consumer horticulture practices.
3. Willingness and ability to provide 40 hours of volunteer community service approved by MSUE
4. Ability to communicate and share knowledge effectively and diplomatically with others.
5. Willingness to support MSUE staff in providing citizens with up- to-date consumer horticulture information

County Master Gardener programs will offer the following core training classes:

Plant Science Flowers Vegetable culture Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Mng Household Pests

Soils for plant growth Turf Small Fruit Woody Ornamentals Indoor Plant culture

MSU Extension provides the formal training program. Instructors are Extension staff members, experienced Master Gardeners and other experts. The training program provides a balanced, integrated, practical course in plant science. Special topics, d on local needs may be added, Core training is held during a two to three month period, with follow-up training or in-service provided during the year according to local needs and resources.

Volunteer Commitment:

The Master Gardener training course consists of 40 hours of core instruction. An equivalent amount of volunteer time, 40 hours, is required as a prerequisite for becoming a Master Gardener.

For the hours to be credited toward the required minimum, the volunteer activities should have educational value and be nonpaying.

At least 20 hours of the required 40 volunteer hours should be spent working on MSUE directed projects and activities.

For the remaining 20 hours, participants are encouraged to volunteer their time in a way that is especially meaningful to them. Approval by the county Master Gardener coordinator must be obtained prior to the activity.

Through volunteering, Master Gardener trainees enrich their knowledge of horticulture, help others through education and launch exciting ideas.

Master Gardener Volunteer & Education Guidelines