Why become a Master Gardener?
Master Gardeners do a lot for their counties! We help educate local residents and maintain demonstration gardens to help beautify our county. By joining the program, you'll have the opportunity to learn new gardening skills and hone your existing skills. You'll learn how to solve gardening problems, and be able to teach others to do the same. Best of all, you'll meet people who enjoy gardening just as much as you do!
Master Gardener Program
Who can become a Master Gardener?
Any Maryland resident, 18 years of age or older, who likes working with people and plants and has a thirst for knowledge.
What do Master Gardeners do?
Master Gardeners help educate local residents about various horticulture methods that are safe, effective, and sustainable horticulture methods. We do this through presentations, workshops, demonstration gardens, social media, and more.
How to become a Master Gardener?
Become a Master Gardener
Step 1: Basic Training classes are typically offered once a year or every other year in St. Mary's Mary's. Contact the University of Maryland Extension at 301-226-7777 to learn more and receive an application package.
Step 2: Complete a background check and submit your application and enrollment fee. The program enrollment fee covers the cost of the mandatory Master Gardener Handbook, class materials, and additional program support the program.
Step 3: A Master Gardener Trainee is required to attend at least 75% of the Master Gardener Basic Training classes and pass the final exam. Specialists, educators, and other horticulture professionals teach Master Gardener Trainees a variety of horticultural subjects by specialists, educators, and other horticulture professionals. Topics may include:
Botany Composting Diagnosing Plant Problems Ecology Entomology Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | | Lawn Care Vegetable, Fruit, & Flower Gardening Organic Gardening Pesticide Use and Safety Precautions Soils and Fertilizers Tree and Shrub Care |
Step 4: Once a Master Gardener Trainee has completed the Master Gardener Basic Training and the passes the final exam, they become a Master Gardener Intern. Interns must complete at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service before achieving the status of Master Gardener.
To remain an active Master Gardener, each calendar year individuals must complete
- A minimum of 20 hours of approved volunteer service, and
- A minimum of 10 hours of approved continuing education.
Continuing education hours may be completed through classes, webinars, seminars, and other educational activities offered by UME, plant societies, botanical gardens and arboreta, colleges, nature centers, etc.
When can I become a Master Gardener?
St. Mary's typically offers basic training classes either once a year or once every other year, usually in the winter/spring season. You can add your name to a list of interested candidates to stay informed of the next class being offered.
Where do I have to go to become a Master Gardener?
St. Mary's Master Gardener classes are offered in a hybrid format, with some of the training and presentations on Zoom and then an in-person meeting with your local coordinator and class. Those in-person sessions are held at the University of Maryland Extension office in Leonardtown.
Where do St. Mary's Master Gardeners volunteer?
Our Master Gardeners volunteer at many sites around the county, including (but not limited to!) farms, county libraries, parks, schools, Historic Sotterley, Summerseat Farm, and the Lexington Manor Passive Park Community and Gateway Native Gardens.
