Why Become A Master Gardener

Master garden training is a lengthy process with annually required retraining hours.

Why become a master gardener. The first master gardener program was founded in 1973 by dr. When applying to the program i struggled to answer why i wanted to become a master gardener. David gibby of washington state university cooperative extension in the greater tacoma area to meet a high demand for urban horticulture and gardening advice.

Becoming a master gardener university of maryland extension master gardener program is designed to train participants as volunteer horticultural educators to support the university of maryland extension mission by educating residents about safe effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens landscapes and. It was difficult to distill my many reasons into an answer that fit in the space allowed on the form. To get started research certified extension master gardener programs which can educate and train future master gardeners about their region s climate and vegetation.

David gibby created the idea with a co worker in seattle washington in 1972 when as county agents they were overwhelmed with so many backyard gardening questions and. The first trial clinic was held at the tacoma mall in 1972. The master gardener coordinator in the county extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.

When that was successful the master gardener program was officially established a curriculum created. Master gardeners are representatives of the texas agrilife extension service and the texas a m system. I think there are three main reasons people decide to become master gardeners.

It also involves up to 50 volunteer hours per year but if you like helping others and have a passion for gardening becoming a master. If you want to become a master gardener you don t need prior knowledge or experience just a passion to learn about gardening and to teach others to garden. Master gardeners presented with this request stepped up to the task with weekly work sessions that focused on planting and tending the garden and later in the summer on preparing the produce.

In the first year 30 youth helped with the garden growing many varieties of vegetables and flowers in raised beds in an inner courtyard. Become a master gardener they are passionate about serving their communities and sharing gardening best practices. A lot of people wish to become a master gardener because they believe it will give them some prestige.