2. Thank you for the post because it did point out a lot of the limits of the program. I did cover the safety aspects and the dangers… but the book is NOT a “safe space” for stodgy gardeners, of which most Master Gardeners are. What type of course instruction counts? I had it. We are not a volunteer-based program; the U of S Master Gardener Program hires trained and experienced professionals to teach all courses and workshops. anything outside the box of palm trees, fertilizing citrus trees (with chemicals of course), or grass. I was excited! Step 1 is just to come out to a meeting and see what we are about. I’m already broke, but trying to find a way to enjoy myself. It was a very broad education, and ours relied a lot more on Integrative Pest Managenent, composting and organic methods than chemicals. In addition to finding your own opportunity, you can, Garden Fundamentals: Learn the science of gardening! I’m a founder of the first pilot WSU Master Gardener Program in WA state. Would this matter or is the “title” of MG the same regardless of if you obtain it in Canada or the United States? Other people’s mileage may vary and that is why findings based on researched studies following scientific methodology are more reliable for establishing guidelines. Classes will be from 9am to 4pm. For the small cost of entering the program, getting the books was a good trade. How many hours of volunteer time do you have to put in? You were correct in your reservations. Lecturers are practitioners (always) often with experience at universities and Phoenix Botanical Garden, for example. Have rooted cuttings that the extension couldn’t! They aren’t doing this for me or for the government (though I don’t think of universities as “government”), it’s simply a way for them to give and strengthen their communities. I had a feeling it was too good to be true. Contact Your Local Program; Contact the State Office; VMS; Welcome to the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Karl, if you were in my program, I would not have a problem with listing yourself as a Certified Master Gardener on your resume, or under experience. Garden Fundamentals and Botanical Latin are also available through distance education. The Master Gardener Program welcomes enthusiastic gardeners with a willingness to share their interest, knowledge, and experience with the public. Master Gardener students who took the course during the July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 fiscal year will have until June 30, 2021 to complete their initial 40 hours of educational service to obtain initial certification. Complete the seven core courses that are offered throughout the year and during Hort Week. When people apply, we let them know it is an organization dedicated to volunteering, not a way to make money. Register anytime and take as long as you want to complete the program. Sorry you had a bad experience or that the program wasn’t what you wanted. Tuition for the 2022 program has not been set yet but the 2019 program had a fee of $375. Three hours per topic (lawns, soils, water quality, small trees, shrubs, vegetables, entomology, plant pathology, weeds, diagnosis, etc. It confirms my suspicions. In spite of all the negativity and misinformation being spouted on this thread, becoming a Certified Master Gardener is something to be proud of. Thank you, David. If you’re an ornamental gardener who enjoys volunteering for the government, spending more time socializing and going to meetings than growing food, wants to tell people that you’re a Master Gardener but doesn’t want to actually make money off your writing, plant nursery, etc., likes being muzzled by big agricultural companies, plus enjoys learning about 1.5 zillion ways to keep your grass perfect through modern chemistry, go – sign up. I have been watching her all my life. I highly recommend them….. peggy. I’m totally borrowing that story. This is a non-profit program. Become a Master Gardener. Tenn is not as invested (rabid) about their program as my home state but they do have all the rules you mentioned. Registration opens November 14 and closes December 18, … Everyone belongs to both! Why should I get my Master Gardener certification from the U of S? They actively discourage their members from profiting in any way from being a Master Gardener. I think the only interest for me would be the cool title… Master Gardener.. and perhaps meeting some fellow plant geeks. Becoming a Certified Master Gardener requires 40 hours the first year (20 the years after) of volunteer work. Brandi, We have no rules that say you can’t come for just the classes. Our program promotes sustainable local gardening practices by distributing sound knowledge and experience to the community. Lately I’ve noticed they were mentioning chemical additives too much and yesterday I heard her praise non-native plants. Whatever – just don’t think you’ll get much from the Master Gardeners. The cost for each individual course is listed on the. I think we all already have the reading materials! Beth March 12, 2013 at 6:35 pm In the state of Alabama, we do have differing levels of achievement and certification in the MG Program. The total cost of the program including registration fee, all 7 core workshops (6.5 days of class time), examination and certification is under $800. Heh. I finally received an invitation to attend an introductory MG meeting! If they did address edibles, it was primarily in the context of growing in massive unicrop quantities for commercial production, again, with lots of chemicals. Of course, the timeline for completing the “internship” portion (40h volunteering in a horticultural capacity) is highly personal as well though it all must be in one year. Find gardeners that are doing what you want to do, then follow them around. Understanding how plants are named will assist you when selecting plants for your landscape. Our group is so dedicated to independance in our gardening that 30 years ago the first MG class created it own splinter group that functions independantly to but alongside the official MG organization. The Master Gardener Program provides interested individuals with extensive training in many phases of gardening. Otherwise, stick around here and spend more time in your backyard producing food for your family… because becoming a Master Gardener probably isn’t for you. @2017 - PenciDesign. Legal cannabis in Canada, for anyone with deep enough pockets, but I hope once I complete a business plan I will be able to obtain crowd funding to make this a reality. Becoming a master gardener allows you to spread your knowledge, learn more about gardening and service your municipality. This is exactly what I needed to hear. You only thank people that agree with you. I went to It really is a club for retired people because you will have to make commitments to do the work and become involved in the club itself. At first I went, “whoa, that’s harsh!” – then I thought – hey, that harsh review could inspire a good blog post. I also agree with the free labor comment someone made. I’m sure many people enjoy being in the programs or they wouldn’t exist. Thank you for the helpful insight in your article, even if it does step on some toes. buy extra seeds while you can–there will be shortages this season, hello again and thanks for this timely critique on the MG program. Are you thinking of becoming a Master Gardener? But no, I just need to pay thousands of $$$’s to some company to get MG title? I would take a committeed novice over an experienced gardener who already “knows it all” in a heartbeat because one is open to new information and knows what it’s like to want information, the other is often closed in mind and willingness to update their knowledge based on new research and are too willing to share there outdated information. Be selected for an interview. Hang out here. However, if you want to become certified, you need to enrol in the. In subsequent years, to remain a UC-Certified Master Gardener, 25 hours of UC Master Gardener … I was considering the course, thinking it might make me more desirable as a paid speaker on the subject of unusual edibles and Permaculture – which I already do a little bit of. Please do take some … I was surprised by the interest I developed in fruit and ornamental trees. Received an invitation to attend the classes plants and the local county MG is. Your location provides as well as host site fees are the classes then them! 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