So....You Want to Be a Master Gardener?

Master Gardener Volunteers

Are dedicated gardening enthusiasts from Baltimore County who, because of their love of gardening and environmental stewardship, have expanded their horticultural education and skills in order to help others. Since 1978 Maryland Master Gardeners have used their knowledge, abilities, and enthusiasm to teach, advise, and assist the general public on a wide range of gardening topics.

Becoming A Master Gardener

First and foremost, the Baltimore County Master Gardener (BCMG) Program is a volunteer program with the primary purpose of sharing safe, effective, and sustainable gardening practices with the community. If you have an interest in gardening, a strong desire to share your time and your gardening knowledge with others, and a love of lifelong learning, you may be a good candidate for the Master Gardener Program.

Once they have successfully completed the training program, the students become Master Gardener Interns and can begin to fulfill the 40 hours of volunteer service that is required for certification as a Baltimore County Master Gardener. To retain certification, Master Gardeners must give 20 hours of volunteer service to the community and complete 10 hours of approved continuing education every year.

Master Gardener Training

After submitting an application, the prospective Master Gardeners who are selected for the program attend approximately 50 hours of formal training in core classes. The classes meet one day a week for 10 weeks. On completion of the class work, all participants are required to pass an open-book, summary exam.

Master Gardener Training Topics

Class topics include Botany, Plant Propagation, Herbaceous Perennials, Woody Ornamentals, Weed Indentification, Soils & Fertilizers, Bay-Wise Landscaping, IPM, Plant Diseases, Vegetable Gardening, Native Plants, Composting, Small Fruits & Trees, Pruning, Turf Management, House Plants, Introduction to Insects, and Ecology.

Master Gardener Training Fees

The BCMG non-refundable registration fee is $250.00. The fee includes supplies, the MG Training Manual, and other supplemental reference materials.

Master Gardener Applications

Visit www.bcmastergardeners.weebly.com to read the letter about the Master Gardener Program and download the Application.

Applications are due July 16. The September 2012 Initial Training Class which will begin on September 7.

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Kriss Cocoros
Baltimore County Cooperative Extension
1114 Shawan Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-771-1761
Or Email
kcocoros@umd.edu

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For more information, contact Kriss Cocoros

Last updated: 12/15/2011