Become a Master Gardener Volunteer with The University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension

This site contains information on the Master Gardener Program in Maricopa County, Arizona. For information on Master Gardening programs in other Arizona counties or in other states, contact the local Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent.

A Maricopa County Master Gardener is an individual who completes a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County specialized course in gardening in the low desert. This person then provides educational leadership to the community in home gardening and landscaping. Maricopa County Master Gardeners help Extension in fulfilling the educational outreach mission by:


• staffing plant question phone lines
• giving talks to local groups
• introducing children to gardening
• presenting information at garden and trade shows
• organizing educational programs and conferences
• creating and maintaining demonstration gardens which showcase new plants, new planting methods, composting, new irrigation methods, etc.

Why Become a Maricopa County Master Gardener Volunteer?

As a Master Gardener you can help to educate and advise home gardeners in your community. Many newcomers and inexperienced gardeners in the Valley are in great need of gardening and landscaping advice. Our informative training will give you the skills needed to diagnose plant problems and give you the confidence to share your expertise with others. You will have the opportunity to work with school children, teachers, seniors, community gardeners and homeowners. You can develop public speaking skills or learn to use computers and other technologies.

Being a Master Gardener volunteer is fun, interesting and rewarding.

The Maricopa County Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener program and training is conducted by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension through the Maricopa County office. The training provides gardeners with the opportunity to improve their horticultural knowledge and skills and then share their experience with the public through organized volunteer activities.

Maricopa County Master Gardener Training

Classes are taught by University of Arizona Extension Faculty, professionals and other horticulture experts. The program covers the challenges specific to gardening in the low desert. A sample of topics covered include:


• Botany
• Plant Problem Diagnosis
• Soils
• Ornamentals
• Pest Management
• Fruits
• Vegetables and Herbs
• Plant Propagation
• Turf
• Desert-Adapted Landscape Plants
• Cacti and Succulents
• Composting
• Landscape Design

Training sessions are scheduled in different locations of the Valley on a rotational basis. Classes meet once a week for a three-hour session for 17 consecutive weeks. Please see the information below for upcoming classes.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpreter, by contacting the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, (602) 827-8200 x311. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Cost

The cost is $275.00, which includes the publication notebook, training manual, books, insignia polo shirt and all handouts.

Benefits of Being a Master Gardener

Help to Educate Your Community

• Help gardeners solve their plant problems
• Promote environmental responsibility through water conservation and least-toxic pest control
• Beautify the Valley by teaching about appropriate plants for our climate
• Work with school and community gardens

Education For You
• Monthly Education Programs
• Monthly Master Gardener Newsletter
• Bi-monthly Horticulture Journal
• Advanced Training on Special Topics
• Annual Horticulture Tour
• Annual Conference

Fun and Friendship

• Work with some of the most talented and interesting gardeners in the Valley
• Participate in team projects

Recognition

• Win local, state, national and international awards
• Take on leadership roles

Commitment

To become a certified Master Gardener participants must complete the initial training class and donate 50 hours of volunteer service, 20 during the class session and the remaining 30 within one year of graduation. There are a wide variety of service opportunities available ranging from answering gardening questions from the public, to planning public events, to working with school gardens. To remain in the program after the first year, a donation of 25 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education are required.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone with an interest in horticulture and volunteering can apply for the Master Gardener program. If you have an interest in improving your skills and knowledge and the desire to work with people, the Master Gardener program may be for you. There are frequently more applicants for the program than slots available. Selection is based on history of volunteer service and level of specific skills and knowledge of value to the program.

How To Apply

All interested individuals are encouraged to apply. If you are paying via check or money order, the tuition fee of $275.00, payable to the University of Arizona, must be remitted with your application.

If you are requesting financial assistance, please check the appropriate box on the application.

Download Application

The Spring 2012 class will be held on Tuesdays from January 10 through May 1, 2012, at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Summer 2012 class will be held on Tuesdays from July 10 through October 30, 2012, at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension office in Phoenix, Arizona. Click here to download the application for the Summer 2012 class. Applications must be postmarked by May 5, 2012.

For answers to questions and more information, contact:
Kristen R. Wagner
Master Gardener Program Coordinator
(602) 827-8200 x311
or
Debbie Mauldin
(602) 827-8200 x308
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To Home Horticulture in Maricopa County, AZ

http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/mgs/mg-broch.htm