Master Gardeners

What is a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are a group of volunteers with training provided by the state or local Cooperative Extension. The Cooperative Extension is the outreach arm of your state university responsible for bringing research-based information into communities to help people improve their lives. Master Gardeners assist the Cooperative Extension through gardening programs and horticultural activities designed to educate the public.

The idea of creating Master Gardeners was born in the early 1970s after several cooperative extension agents from Washington State were overwhelmed with information requests from home gardeners. A plan emerged to involve extension specialists and faculty in the training of volunteers in exchange for a commitment to spend a specified number of hours doing volunteer work in the community. Today all 50 states, several U.S. territories, and many Canadian provinces now have Master Gardener programs.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

You must apply and be accepted into a Master Gardener training program sponsored by your county extension unit. (See the list of Master Gardener programs and State Extension Service offices.) While each program may vary, most require approximately 40 hours of classroom training in horticulture. Topics may include botany, entomology, fertilizers, flower gardening, lawn care, organic gardening, pesticide use and safety, plant problems diagnosis, soils, tree and shrub care and vegetable gardening.

Upon successful completion of the training requirements you will be required to fulfill 40 or more hours of service to benefit the community. To be an active Master Gardener you must remain current in annual educational updates and volunteer service hours required by the local program.

Master Gardener Resources:

What's Inside The Package?

Bayer Advanced™ products for the lawn, garden and home contain highly effective, proprietary active ingredients recognized worldwide for their results. Find out more about them.

Read The Label

Learn how to read the important sections of a Bayer Advanced™ product label that will help you to find the information you need.

Various Forms of Bayer Pesticides

Bayer Advanced pesticides are available in various forms–liquids, granules, dust, and potting soils.

State Extension Service Offices

Find the state Extension Office and Master Gardener's programs in your area.