Becoming A Master Gardener

About the Master Gardener Program

   Master Gardeners are volunteers who want to give back to their communities by sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge about plants and gardening. They are trained paraprofessionals who are part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension community in consumer horticulture and bring research-based information to citizens throughout Kentucky. Master Gardener volunteers also bring an excitement and energy to teaching in their communities.

   Master Gardeners participate in over 60 hours of daytime training on vegetables, home fruits, lawn care, plant pathology, entomology, soils & fertility, pruning, plant propagation, and flowers. The University of Kentucky Extension staff conducts most of the training. Training follows a Master Gardener manual, which graduates keep as a reference.

   Once training is completed, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 30 hours the first year and 15 hours annually thereafter. Volunteer time fits the specific interests and strengths of the Master Gardener with the programming needs of the county residents. It emphasizes practical gardening experience teamed with the research-based information of the University of Kentucky Extension to help people put knowledge to work.

   Some activities of Master Gardeners include:

• creating and maintaining demonstration gardens
• teaching classes and workshops
• answering phone inquiries concerning home horticulture
• teaching and demonstrating horticulture techniques in community
• serving on a advisory council
• teaching youth and judging horticulture projects
• assist in the production of newsletters, web pages, fact sheets, or handbooks  
• media interviews and articles on horticulture topics
• speaking to schools and youth groups on gardening topics
• assisting with food demonstrations at local farmers' markets
• representing the program at county and state fair exhibits
• teaching horticulture in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement centers
• helping to mentor new Master Gardeners.

   Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, contact the Barren County Extension Service by calling 270-651-3818 or kristin.goodin@uky.edu.

Master Gardener Fact Sheet

Master Gardener Registration Form