Fresh energy has arrived! Our 2026 intern class has officially dived into the dirt, tackling everything from glacial soil science to sustainable urban lawns. To celebrate their journey, we’re launching a new monthly microblogging series to hear about their experiences throughout the year. Each month, interns will respond to questions about their experiences and the things they are learning, and we will share their insights on the blog. The intent of this project is to create a fun way for fellow interns to connect and hear about others’ experiences, and an opportunity to share insights about what it’s like to join the program.
Below are this month’s questions and the responses from our interns (lightly edited for space and clarity). Thanks to this month’s participants!
Question #1 – Why did you decide to join HCMG? What are you looking forward to or hoping to accomplish in the program?
Like many others, I started gardening during the COVID era. The need for a distraction and endless time at home had me building way too many raised beds. I learned a lot during that time — including just how difficult it is to resist the urge to plant every variety of tomato plant the garden center has to offer. When we moved into our next home, it came with a small Minneapolis backyard that was full of weeds after years of neglect. The process of cleaning up and restoring the yard has been deeply satisfying and revealed to me just how much I needed to learn. The Master Gardener program seemed like a great opportunity to not only learn how to cultivate our own yard in a sustainable, science based way, but to also be able to help our community in the process. I’ve since been devouring the course material and each week I look forward to learning from the experts they bring in. My hope is to be able to help promote sustainable lawns in the city and to work in our schools.
Nick, 2026 HCMG Intern
I decided to join because I love gardening, learning, and people, so it felt like a logical next step. I have wanted to do the program for years and finally had time and energy, so I jumped while the window was open!
S, 2026, HCMG Intern
Question #2 – What are your impressions of the program so far?
It has been very clear that the Core Course has been developed through constant refinement over a number of years. It is deep without being overwhelming, and it is well suited for home gardeners. The best part, however, has been the weekly lectures from experts. Whether they are talking about soil, insects or botany, each expert has been excited to share and answer questions. Each week I look forward to the next talk and getting the chance to nerd-out on a new topic.
Nick, 2026 HCMG Intern
So far, the program seems very welcoming and the Core Course seems very manageable. I do one section a week, usually taking a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. I am hoping I can keep up my rhythm, and maintain a good balance. Every event I have been to so far people have been very nice and always willing to answer questions. I am excited about how much I am learning – there’s TONS to be learned and I am trying to drink it all in!
S, 2026 HCMG Intern
Question #3 – What is the most interesting or surprising gardening fact you have learned so far?
Soil is only around 3-5% organic matter! I always assumed that soil was essentially fully composted organic matter. Instead, it is half water and air, and almost half minerals (rocks). In Minnesota, our soil is almost all the result of the glaciers, and you can tell whether there was a glacial river or lake in your area based on the composition of the minerals in your soil. I never thought I would be excited to talk about dirt.
Nick, 2026 HCMG Intern
I was surprised to learn that powdery mildew’s effects on plants are almost wholly cosmetic. I have been struggling with a pretty gnarly level of it in my peonies and lilacs, and it’s kind of a relief to know it can be managed without having to do a full cull of my flowers; plus, it’s a question I can answer for other gardeners now!
S, 2026 HCMG Intern
We hope these stories from the 2026 class continue to inspire you. To join us, keep an eye on our ‘Become a Master Gardener‘ page for more information, and mark your calendars to apply in August.