How to Join

Is the Master Gardener™ program right for you?

To help you decide whether you should apply for Master Gardener™ Volunteer Training, see if you agree with these six statements:

Gardening and gardens have have always been of interest to me.
Anything I learn about gardening, I would be willing to share with others.
I really would like to learn a lot more about gardens, plants, and insects.
Entomology: Bugs can be fun; there is so much I don't know about them.
Mysterious things grow in my yard and in the county that I wish I could identify.
I am willing to provide 40 hours of volunteer outreach and education upon course completion.

If you find yourself agreeing with these statements, the Master Gardener™ Program may be right for you. It could be one of the most interesting activities you have ever been involved in. If you would like to become a Master Gardener, call, write, or email the Curry County Extension Office. Registration for the yearly training is in November and the course begins in January.

Master Gardener™ Volunteer Training

Master Gardener™ Volunteer Training consists of two parts:

1. The 40+ hour hybrid course at a reduced price when in agreement to be followed up by

2. 40+ hours of volunteering in the community as an outreach.

The course includes both online and in-person training taught by OSU Extension agents, certified volunteers, and horticultural specialists. The program offers a basic, practical course in plant science and horticulture.

Classes usually include:

basic botany and plant physiology;
pest identification and control methods;
soil management and plant nutrition;
and diagnosis and control of plant problems.

Other general interest classes on such topics as lawns, greenhouses, water quality, houseplants, vegetables, trees, and shrubs may be included depending on class interest.

Class Dates

The actual course content and sequence will vary from year to year and will depend on local needs, interests, and speaker availability. Classes are held during the winter months from January until the end of March. Registration is in November and early December.

Volunteering

Your commitment after training is to be a volunteer staff person for the OSU Extension Service. The program coordinator will help you to schedule your volunteer time. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for gardening information; others staff plant clinics at garden shows or local events. Master Gardeners might also work on projects with local schools, give talks to area garden clubs or complete an approved project of their own design.

How do I become a Master Gardener™ Volunteer?

Step 1: Complete the Master Gardener™ Program training

Spaces in the 2024 class are limited. Applications close on December 15th.

Class fee: The class fee covers all workshop supplies.

Step 2: Complete volunteer hours

As part of the Master Gardener™ Volunteer certification in exhange for the reduced cost, you will volunteer for 40 hours to share research-based sustainable gardening practices and to promote healthy landscape and food in your community. This may include:

Answering telephone requests for gardening information
Staffing plant clinics at local garden shows or events
Working on projects with local schools
Speaking at local garden clubs
Completing an approved project of your own design

Step 3: Recertify each year

Current Master Gardener™ volunteers can maintain their status by participating in continuing education and additional volunteer hours. Contact the local Master Gardener coordinator at (541)247-6672 ext 2 for more information.