2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

If you have a love for gardening, landscaping and related activities, and you would like to share it with others, please consider becoming a Master Gardener volunteer. Master Gardener volunteers assist Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel in providing educational horticulture programs, community and garden-based learning projects, soil and diagnostic clinics, demonstrations, lectures for the public, and staff a phone helpline for their county residents. Master Gardeners have fun too! Regional and state conferences, field trips and garden tours, plant exchanges and continuing education opportunities occur throughout the year. You will also become acquainted with individuals who share your interest in gardening.

Applications for the next Master Gardener training will be accepted in the spring of 2025.  The next training program begins in September of 2025. Master Gardeners receive over sixty hours of training covering an array of horticultural topics, including botany; entomology; plant pathology; soil science; organic gardening; integrated pest management; turfgrass; and the culture of trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruit and ornamentals. Classes are taught to prepare you for your work as a Master Gardener Volunteer. 

Participants receive a Master Gardener Certificate after completing the training, completing a final project and contributing a minimum of 50 to 60 hours of volunteer service.

There is a program fee  to help defray the cost of Master Gardener training materials. If you are interested in learning more about the Master Gardener program or would like to request an application, please contact the Master Gardener Coordinator in your county.

Schenectady County please go to www.cceschenectady.org or contact Angela Tompkins amj22@cornell.edu or (518) 372-1622, ext. 259.

Albany County residents please go to CCE Albany or contact Carole Henry at ch878@cornell.edu or (518) 765-3516.

Rensselaer County residents please go to www.ccerensselaer.org or contact David Chinery at dhc3@cornell.edu or (518) 272-4210, ext. 114.

Last updated October 31, 2024