Master Gardener volunteers help extend gardening knowledge into the community.

Master Gardener Volunteers

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The Master Gardener Program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to extend information throughout their communities. The first Master Gardener Program was started in Washington State in 1972.

Who Becomes a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are people who have some horticultural experience and a sincere desire to share that experience with others. Master Gardeners come from all walks of life - and are united by their enthusiasm for plants and people.

How Do I Become a Master Gardener?

To become a Master Gardener contact our office at 518-372-1622 or email Angela Tompkins amj22@cornell.edu. You will be asked to fill out an application and come in to the office for an interview. As trainings are announced, you will be notified of their dates and locations. Trainees receive 40 to 60 hours of course instruction on topics such as: plant nutrition, soils, fruit and vegetable culture, care and maintenance of lawns and landscape plants, garden insects, plant diseases, and much more.

Is There Any Cost?

Yes, there is a one time $300 fee that covers the cost of training materials, speaker fees, refreshments, etc.

What Does A Master Gardener Do?

Master Gardeners are expected to share their horticultural training with the community in the form of 100 hours of volunteer work with Cornell Cooperative Extension over a two year period. Volunteer activities are somewhat flexible. After your initial 100 hours over a two year period, you may continue as a Master Gardener by signing a statement that you will give a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer time over the coming year back to Cornell Cooperative Extension. This pledge becomes an annual event.

Some Activities Include:

Put together exhibits and displays
Give gardening lectures/demonstrations to outside groups and organizations
Teach horticultural classes that are open to the general public
Attend monthly Master Gardener organizational meetings
Work with 4-H youth and school projects related to horticulture
Answer questions and give horticultural advice to clients
Attend inservice opportunities on a county, state and regional level

Contact

Angela Tompkins
Master Gardener Coordinator
amj22@cornell.edu
(518) 372-1622 ext. 259

Last updated October 31, 2024

Gardening

Benefits of the Program

Through the Master Gardener training sessions and workshops, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener. You will have access to numerous Cornell Cooperative Extension gardening materials. In addition, you will derive satisfaction from serving the community, while extending the educational mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension. You will have the chance to meet and interact with people in your community with similar interests and talents in gardening and horticulture. Finally, you will acquire a deeper understanding of the science and art of horticulture and its allied sciences.

Benefits to the Community

As a Master Gardener volunteer, you are expected to share the knowledge you gained in the training sessions with other gardeners in the community. You can do this by participating in a variety of ways. Every time you answer a gardening question from a friend, you extend the knowledge you have gained. The Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program offers many volunteer opportunities, or volunteers can design their own projects to benefit the community. Volunteer hours are flexible depending on interest and time available. Travel expenses are tax-deductible.