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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.
Upcoming Master Gardener Training:
Tuesdays, January 17 - May 9, 2017
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
4341 E. Broadway Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
If you would like to be placed on our waiting list, please email jocook@email.arizona.edu
What is a Maricopa County Master Gardener?
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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) 827-8239. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange
the accommodation.
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The session fee, which includes electronic resources, Master Gardener Press books, insignia polo shirt and badge, is $275.00.
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Education For You
- Gardening know-how - we can teach you how to garden
- Monthly Education Programs
- Monthly Master Gardener Newsletter
- Advanced Training and Continuing Education on Special Topics
- Annual Garden Tour
- Network with other like-minded people
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
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
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To become a certified Master Gardener participants must complete the initial training class and donate 20 hours of volunteer service during the class session and an additional 30 volunteer hours 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 educational events, to working with school and community gardens. To remain in the program after the first year, a donation
of 25 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education is required annually.
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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.
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For answers to questions and more information, contact the
Program Coordinator
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