Master Gardener™ Programs of Linn and Benton Counties

Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener volunteers are neighbors, friends and family who you can go to for garden advice that is grounded in science and locally relevant.

What is involved in volunteering?

As a Master Gardener volunteer educator, you will complete a university-taught course about the nuts and bolts of gardening. You’ll join a cohort of new and experienced volunteers and connect with a community of fellow plant enthusiasts. Then, you’ll share research-based sustainable gardening practices to promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods and healthy lives.

You can help grow knowledge, gardens and communities. Join us.

How to join

Master Gardeners volunteer as gardening educators in the community.

Credit: Elizabeth Records

Woman wearing a ballcap riding a lawn tractor.

"I lived in apartments and could not do much gardening. As soon as my life permitted, I became a Master Gardener and have made wonderful new friends. I am keeping pesticide use down by showing people better ways to manage their gardens."
—Susan Morton

Photo courtesy of Susan Morton

Course topics

It is helpful if potential Master Gardeners have had some gardening experience, but it is not required.

We learn through a combination of hands-on garden labs, interactive online experiences and classroom activities. Typical training topics include:

botany essentials
soil management
plant nutrition
pest identification and control
diagnosis of plant problems
growing vegetables
sustainable landscape design
fruit trees
pollinators
and more

Man standing next to a display of flower bulbs - Pop Up Plant Clinic

“The [Master Gardener] class has provided me a very good foundation for gardening in the Pacific Northwest. The Master Gardener volunteer experience has been a very rewarding experience. I enjoy meeting new people at the Master Gardener volunteer events.”
—Jesse Garcia

Photo Courtesy of Benton County Master Gardener Association

Aug 31

Oak Creek Watershed Walk and Talk

10:30 am - 12:30 pm Corvallis, OR

See all events

Extension Service