Extension ServiceBecome a Master Gardener
How do I become a Master Gardener?
If you enjoy learning about gardening, sharing your knowledge with others and volunteering in your community, you should consider becoming an OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Potential Master Gardeners are not required to have a gardening experience but rather the yearning and motivation to learn and to garden. There are no prerequisites to participate in this course, although a basic understanding of plants is helpful.
Thank you for your interest in the Polk County OSU Master Gardener™ Volunteer program!
This is a dynamic program that will increase your gardening knowledge, encourage you to help others by volunteering in the community, and build new friendships.
Here’s an overview of the program requirements:
- In-person classes. These required in-person classes will encourage you to dive deeper and start getting connected with other program participants.
- Online learning modules are taught by OSU experts and provide fundamental horticulture knowledge. The modules include videos, readings, and quizzes on all aspects of sustainable gardening. There are 1-2 modules per week done at your own pace.
- Volunteer hours are the third key learning experience to become an OSU Master Gardener volunteer. We require 40 hours of volunteer service in your initial program year. All volunteer experiences are carefully selected to help you learn and connect with the community. The Polk County Master Gardener Association (PCMGA) is OSU’s partner in offering volunteer experiences in support of the Master Gardener Program.
The class fee is $150 (partial scholarships are available).
Our 2024 class is full!
Click below to be notified about next year's class.
Questions about the program?
Brooke Edmunds, OSU Extension Horticulture Faculty,[email protected]